Reactive distillation process for the production of methyl acetate

摘要: The present invention provides a process for the production of high purity methyl acetate from methanol and glacial acetic acid wherein functions both as reactant an extractive agent. comprises countercurrently flowing approximately stoichiometric quantities through single reactive distillation column in presence acidic catalyst which is preferably sulfuric acid. intimate contact between azeotropes (methyl acetate/water acetate/methanol) are formed column. At preferred concentrations, residence time at least about two hours. further continuously removing top water bottom In embodiments, intermediate boiling compounds, such propionate, butyrate, isopropyl acetate, mixtures thereof, vapor sidedraw stream. embodiments use temperature control scheme whereby overhead bottoms compositions controlled by using loops.