Process for preparing formic acid

US9428438B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• BASF SE

Inventors

• Donata Maria Fries · Mannheim, DE
• Klaus-Dieter Mohl · Hockenheim, DE
• Martin Schäfer · Arnstadt, DE
• Daniel Schneider · Mannheim, DE
• Peter Bassler · Viernheim, DE
• Stefan Rittinger · Mannheim, DE
• Joaquim Henrique Teles · Waldsee, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 25, 2013
• Grant date: Aug 30, 2016
• Expiry date: Jan 6, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07C51/02
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Process for obtaining formic acid by thermal separation of a stream comprising formic acid and a tertiary amine (I), in which, in step (a), a liquid stream comprising formic acid, methanol, water and tertiary amine (I) is produced by combining methyl formate, water and tertiary amine (I), from there in step (b), methanol is separated off and in step (c), formic acid is removed by distillation from the liquid stream obtained in a distillation apparatus, wherein, when methyl formate, water and tertiary amine (I) are combined, methyl formate, water and optionally tertiary amine (I) are first introduced in step (a1) in a molar ratio of 0≦n(amine to a1)/n(mefo to a1)≦0.1, and from 70 to 100% of the hydrolysis equilibrium possible is set and then, in step (a2), tertiary amine (I) is introduced in a molar ratio of 0.1≦n(amine to a2)/n(mefo to a1)≦2, and the mixture is reacted.