Patent ID: 6114573
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: B01J,C07C

Abstract:
In a process for preparing vinyl acetate in the gas phase from ethylene, acetic acid and oxygen and/or oxygen-containing gases in the presence of a catalyst, the improvement comprising using a supported catalyst comprising palladium and/or a compound thereof, gold or a compound thereof and also alkali metal compounds on a particulate, porous support, said catalyst comprising, based on the total mass of the catalyst, 0.2-2.5% by weight of palladium, 0.2-2.5% by weight of gold and 0.1-10% by weight of alkali metal and which catalyst is produced bya) impregnating the support with a solution of soluble palladium and gold compounds,b) converting the soluble palladium and gold compounds into insoluble palladium and gold compounds by addition of an alkaline solution to the support,c) reducing the insoluble palladium and gold compounds on the support with a reducing agent in the liquid or gaseous phase,d) impregnating the palladium and gold containing support with at least one soluble alkali metal compound ande) finally drying the impregnated support at a maximum of 150.degree. C.wherein the catalyst is irradiated with microwaves before, during or after one of process steps a) to e) as the catalyst.