Process for the production of methyl acetate by esterifying methanol with acetic acid

摘要: Methyl acetate is produced by esterifying methanol with acetic acid in the presence of an esterification catalyst and distilling from product containing also entrainer a distillation column methyl as overhead fraction, there being removed liquid side- stream fraction comprising water. The preferably separated into aqueous phase organic which recycled to column. suitable carbonylation feedstock for producing anhydride and/or acid.