Patent ID: 6521786
Filing Date: 2003-02-18
Classification: B01J,C07C

Abstract:
A process for the production of monocarboxylic and/or polycarboxylic acids comprising the steps of (a) catalytically oxidizing the corresponding aromatic precursors in liquid phase in the presence of gaseous oxygen and of a catalytic complex consisting of a mixture of cobalt and zirconium salts or cerium and zirconium salts, in a reaction solvent constituted by C1-C6, aliphatic acids or mixtures thereof; (b) filtering the end product; (c) recycling into the oxidation reactor at least part of the mother liquors resulting from the filtration stage; said process being characterized in that said steps from (a) to (c) are carried out in a continuous cycle operating substantially under the same pressure and temperature conditions.