Method and device for producing formic acid formates and use of said formates

US7351860B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• BASF SE

Inventors

• Christoph Adami · Weinheim, DE
• Jorn Karl · Mannheim, DE
• Alexander Hauk · Ludwigshafen, DE
• Ralf Böhling · Griesheim, DE
• Jörg Pastre · Bensheim, DE
• Robert W. Lenz · Hochdorf-Assenheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 30, 2003
• Grant date: Apr 1, 2008
• Expiry date: Apr 23, 2024

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61P3/00
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing formic acid formates, whereby (a) formic acid methyl ester is partially hydrolysed with water; (b) formic acid methyl ester and methanol are separated by distillation from the reaction mixture obtained in step (a), forming a current containing formic acid and water; (c) the current obtained in step (b), containing the formic acid methyl ester and optionally methanol, is converted into a current containing formate and water, by (i) reaction with a basic compound having a pKa value of the corresponding acid of the corresponding dissociation step of =3, measured at 25° C. in an aqueous solution, in presence of water, and (ii) separation by distillation of the methanol; and (d) the current obtained in step (b), containing formic acid and water, and the current obtained in step (c), containing formate and water, are combined to form a mixture containing the formic acid formate and water. The invention also relates to a device for producing said formic acid formates and to the use of the same.