Patent ID: 6548697
Filing Date: 2003-04-15
Classification: B01J,C07C,Y02P

Abstract:
An integrated process for the production of an alkenyl carboxylate which process comprises the steps:(a) contacting in an oxidation reaction zone a C2 to C4 alkane, a molecular oxygen-containing gas and, optionally, at least one of the corresponding alkene and water in the presence of at least two catalysts each active, with different selectivities, for the oxidation of the alkane to the corresponding alkene and carboxylic acid, to produce a product stream comprising alkene, carboxylic acid and water; and (b) contacting in a second reaction zone at least a portion of each of said alkene and carboxylic acid produced in the first reaction zone and a molecular oxygen-containing gas, in the presence of at least one catalyst active for the production of alkenyl carboxylate to produce said alkenyl carboxylate, and in which the molar ratio of alkene to carboxylic acid produced in the oxidation reaction zone is adjusted or maintained at a pre-determined value by controlling the relative proportions of the at least two catalysts in said oxidation reaction zone.