Carbonylation in ionic liquid media

I&EC 200

Joseph R. Zoeller, jzoeller@eastman.com, Gerald C. Tustin, gctustin@eastman.com, Regina M. Moncier, and Mary K. Moore, mkmoore@eastman.com. Research Laboratories, Eastman Chemical Company, P.O. Box 1972, Kingsport, TN 37662-5150
Conducting carbonylations in ionic liquid media allows some unique modes of operation. For example, when the rhodium catalyzed carbonylation of methanol to acetic acid is conducted in ionic liquids, which lack any significant volatility, the process can be operated in a vapor a take-off mode of operation, which eliminates several units of operation and catalyst recovery concerns while improving reaction rates. Additional benefits of employing an ionic liquid in carbonylations are becoming evident as the system continues to be investigated. A number of these advantages will be discussed with emphasis on the carbonylation of methanol.