Patent ID: 7211688
Filing Date: 2007-05-01
Classification: C07C,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A process for the production of an alkyl carboxylate which process comprises the steps: (a) contacting in an oxidation reaction zone a C (b) separating in a first separation means at least a portion of the product stream produced in the oxidation reaction zone into a gaseous stream comprising alkene and unreacted alkane and a liquid stream comprising carboxylic acid and water; (c) separating by chemical treatment at least a portion of the gaseous stream obtained from the first separation means into respective streams rich in alkene and alkane; said chemical treatment comprising the steps of: (d) contacting in a second reaction zone at least a portion of said alkene rich stream obtained from the second separation means and a corresponding carboxylic acid, in the presence of at least one catalyst active for the production of alkyl carboxylate to produce a second product stream comprising alkyl carboxylate.