PROCESS FOR PRODUCING ETHYLIDENEDIACETATE

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing ethylidene-diacetate with little or no by-products which comprises reacting carbon monoxide with at least one compound or mixture of two compounds selected from (1) dimethyl acetal, (2) acetal-­ dehyde and methyl acetate and (3) acetaldehyde and dimethyl ether in the presence of a catalyst comprising (a) as a main component at least one material selected from metals belong­ ing to Group VIII of the Periodic Table, compounds of the metals and mixtures thereof and (b) as a secondary compo­ nent at least one material selected from iodides, bromides and mixtures thereof under substantially anhydrous condi­ tion.

Description: DESCRIPTION "PROCESS FOR PRODUCING E THYTThENEi)IACETATE" This invention relates to a process for producing ethylidenediacetate which comprises reacting carbon monoxide with at least one compound or mixture of two compounds selected -from (1) dimethyl acetal, (2) acetaldehyde and methyl acetate, and (3) acetaldehyde and dimethyl ether. In the prior art, ethylidenediacetate was synthesized from acetylene and acetic acid or by. reacting acetaldehyde with acetic anhydride. Recently, a process for producing ethylidenediacetate by reacting methyl acetate or dimethyl ether with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst was proposed (refer to Japanese Patent Publication (laid open) No. 115409/1976). In the process disclosed in this Patent Publication, ethylidenediacetate was synthesized from methyl ace tate or dimethyl ether in the presence of a catalyst comprising rhodium or palladium as a main component and a halide as a secondary component. The disclosed process utilizes synthesis gas (H2 + CO), so the. process is economical in respect of a raw material. However, in the process of the patent publication since a carbonylation reaction by carbon monoxide and a reduction reaction by hydrogen occur at the same time, by-products, such as ethyl acetate and propionic acid are likely to be formed. Judging from the stoichimetric equation, acetic acid is formed as a secondary product. Therefore,the yield of ethylidenediacetate is unsatisfactory in the process of the patent publication. The present inventors carried out research to find a process for synthesizing ethylidenediacetate in a high yield. As a result, we found that ethylidenediacetate can be synthe sized by rea.cting carbon monoxide with at least one compound or mixture of two compounds selected from the group consisting of (1) dimethyl acetal, (2) acetaldehyde and methyl acetate, and (3) acetaldehyde and dimethyl ether in the presence of a spec ific catalyst. An object of this invention is to provide a process for synthesizing ethylidenediacetate with little or no by products. This invention relates to a process for producing ethylidenediacetate which comprises reacting carbon monoxide with at least one compound or mixture of two compounds selected from the group consisting of (1) dimethyl acetal, (2) acetalde hyde and methyl acetate, or (3) acetaldehyde and dimethyl ether in the presence of a catalyst comprising (.a) as a main component at least one material selected from metals belonging to Group VIII of the Periodic Table, compo mds of the metals or mixtures thereof and (b) as a secondary component at least one material selected from iodides, bromides or mi=-tures thereof under sub stantially anhydrous conditions. The mechanism of the carbonylation reaction-of this invention is-not perfectly clear. However, it is believed that the reaction is expressed by the following equation: (1) Reaction of dimethyl acetal and carbon monoxide EMI2.1 (2) Reaction of acetaldehyde¯, methyl acetate and carbon monoxide EMI2.2 (3) . Reaction of acetaldehyde, dimethyl ether and carbon monoxide EMI2.3 In the case o practicing this invention, ethylidenedi ce- tate may be synthesized by one of the three equations. For example, ethylidenediacetate can be synthesized from (1) dimethyl acetal and carbon monoxide, (2) acetaldehyde, methyl acetate and carbon monoxide or (3) acetaldehyde, dimethyl ether and carbon monoxide. Alternatively, ethylidenediacetate may simul taneously be synthesized by two or three equations as mentioned above. For example; ethylidenediacetate can be synthesized from (a) acetaldehyde, methyl acetate, dimethyl ether and carbon monoxide by equations (2) and (3); (b) dimethyl acetal, acetaldehyde, methyl acetate or dimethyl ether and carbon monoxide by equations (1) and (2), or (1) and (3); and (c) dimethyl acetal, acetaldehyde, methyl acetate, dimethyl ether and carbon monoxide by equations (1), (2) and (3). In the synthesis of ethylidenediacetate according to this invention, at least one material selected from metals belonging to Group VIII of the Periodic Table, compounds of the metals or mixtures thereof is used as a main component constituting the catalyst, and at least one material selected from iodides, bromides and mixtures thereof is used as a secondary component constituting the catalyst. The main components include, for example, RhX3, RhX3 3H2O, [RhX(CO)2]2, Rh6(CO)16, RhX(PPh3)3, RHX(PPh3)3, Rh(SnCl3)(PPh3)3, RhI(CO)(SbPh3)2, RhH(CO)(PPh3)3, RH(AcAc)3, Rh(AcO)(PPh3)2, Metallic Rh, Rh2(CO)3, RhX(CO) (PPh3)27 RhCl(CO) (AsPh3)2, RhX(CO) [P(n-C4H9)3]2, [Rh(C2H4)2Cl]2, [Rh(AcO)2]2, RhCl(CO)[P(OPh)3]2, Rh[P(OPh)3]4 2' RhCl(PPh3)2(CH3I)2, [Rh(CO)2X][(n-C4H9)4N], [Rh2O2X4][(n-C4H9)4As]2, [Rh(CO)I4][(n-C4H9)4P], K4Rh2X2(SnX3)4, IrX3, IrX3#3H2O, IR2(CO)4X2, IR2(CO)8, Ir(PPh3)2(CO)X, Ir(PPh3)2(CH3I)2, Ir(SnCl3)(PPh3)3, IrCl(CO)AsPh3)2, IrI(CO) (SbPh3)2, [Ir(CO)2X2][(n-C4H9)4n], [Ir2(CO)2X4][(n-C4H9)4As], [Ir(CO)2I4][(n-C4H9)4P], Ir(PPh3)2(CO)Br, Ir[(n-C4H9)3P]2(CO)Br, Ir[(n-C4H9)3P]2(CO)I, IrX(PPh3)3, IrCl(PPh3)3H(CO), [Ir(C2H4)2Cl]2, K4Ir2X2(SnX3)4, PdX2, [Pd(CO)X2]2, [Pd(PPh3)2]X2, [Pd(PPh3)]2(CO)Br, (PdX4)[(n-C4H9)4P], Pd[(n-C4H9)3P](CO)Cl2, PdCl(PPh3)2(SnCl3), Pd[(n-C4H9)3P]212, RuX3, RuX3 3H20, Ru(CO)2I2, Ru(CO)12, RuCl2(CO)(PPh3)3, RuI2(CO)(AsPH3)3, RuBr2(CO)[(n-C4H9)3P]3, RuBr3(CO)(PPh3)2, K2[Ru2(SnCl3)2], H2PtX6, Pt(CO)X2, Pt(AsPh3)(CO)I2, Pt[AsPh3]2, [Pt(CO)X3] [(n-C4Hg)4N], Pt(PPh3)2CH3I, [PtX4][(n-C4H9)4As], Pt(PPh3)2 (SnBe3)2, PtCl(AsPh3)2(SnCl3)2, Pt[P(C2H5)3]2CH3I, Os(CO)4X2, Os(CO)12, Os(CO)5, OsCl3(CO)[(n-C4H9)3P]2, OsBr3(AsPh3)3, OsBr3(AsPh3)3, OsBr(PPh3)3, Metallic Ni, NiX21 NiX2-3H2O, Ni(CO)4, Ni(CO)2(PPh3)2, Ni(AcAc)2, CoI2, [CoI2, [Co(CO)4]2, HCo(CO)4, FeI2, Fe(CO)5, H2Fe(CO)4, wherein X is F, C1, Br or I, Ph is phenyl group, OPh is phenoxy g-roup, AcO is acetoxy group and AcAc is acetylacetonate group. Of these metals and metal compounds, palladium, iridium, ruthenium, platinum, rhodium, nickel and cobalt, and compounds of the metals are preferable as a main component with palladium, rhodium, nickel and cobalt and their compounds of the metals being more preferred; palladium, rhodium and nickel and their preferred; palladium, rhodium and nickel and their compounds and most preferred. Any of the above metals or their compounds may be used alone or as a mixture. An iodide, a bromide and mixture thereof may be used as a secondary component. An iodide is preferred. Iodides and/or bromide being generally present in the reaction an medium in the form of an alkyl halide, such as methyl' iodide, an acid halogenide, such as acetyl ipdide or hydrogen halide, such as hydrogen iodide may be used as a secondary component. The secondary component may be added to a reaction medium as it is. Materials which can convert to an alkyl halide, an acid halogenide or hydrogen halide can be used as a secondary component. Examples of the materials which convert to an alkyl halide, an acid halogenide or a hydrogen halide by reacting with components in the reaction medium-include inorganic halides, such as alkali metal halides, and alkaline earth metal halides, iodine and bromine. The carbonylation reaction of this invention proceeds satisfactorily in the presence of a catalyst containing the above mentioned main component and the above¯mentioned secondary component. An organic promoter or an inorganic promoter may be used with the catalyst in order to increase the reaction rate. An organic promoter is preferable. The organic promoter maybe introduced into-the reaction system with the reactants. Advantageous organic promoters are organic nitrogen, phosphorus, antimony and arsenic compounds. The compounds represented by the following formula are included in the above organic promoters: EMI5.1 wherein tl" is N, P, Sb or As and R1 R2 and R3 may be the same or different, and independently hydrogen, or alkyl having 1 - 10 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl having 3 - 10 carbon aroms or aryl having 7 - 10 carbon atoms. Examples of the promoters include amines, such as monomethyl amine, dimethyl amine, trimethyl amine, dimethyl ethyl amine, diethyl amine, tri-iro-propyl amine, tri-n-propyl amine, tri-n-butylamine, tri-tert.-butylamine, aniline, dimethyl aniline, diethyl aniline and the like; phosphines, such as tri-n-propyl phdsphine, tri-iso-propyl phosphine, tri-n-butyl phosphine, tri-tert.-butyl phosphine, tricyclohexyl phosphine, ethylene bis (diphenyl phosphine), triphenyl phosphine and the like; arsines, such as trimethyl arsine, triethyl arsine, tri-iso-propyl arsine, tripropyl arsine, tricyclohexyl arsine, phenyl. di-iso-propyl arsine, diphenyl arsine, bis(diphenyl arsino)ethane, bis(di-iso-propyl arsino)hexane, and the like; and stibines, such as tri-isopropyl stibine, ethyl-di-iso-propyl stibine, triphenyl stibine, tri(o-tolyl)stibine, phenyl diamyl stibine, tris(diethyl aminomethyl)stibine, bis (diethylstibino)pentane and the like. In addition to the above listed compounds, organic nitrogen compounds and organic compounds having oxygen or phosphorus atoms and nitrogens atom may be used as an organic promoter for the reaction. Examples of the organic nitrogen compounds include heterocyclic compounds such as pyrrole, pyrrolidine, piperidine, pyrimidine, picolines, pyrazine and N-alkyl (C1-C5) substituted deriuatives of the above mentioned compounds such as Nmethylpyrrolidine, benzotriazole, piperazine, N-methyl piperazine, N-ethyl piperazine, 2-methyl-N-methylpiperazine, 2,2-dipyridyl, methyl-substituted 2,2-dipyridyl, 1,4-diazabicyclo(2,2,2) octane, methyl-substituted 1,4-diazabicyclo(2,2,2)octane, purinc, 2-aminopyridine, 1,10¯phenanthroline, methyl-substituted 1, lO-phenanthroline, 2- (dime thyl amino) -pyridine, 2- (dimethyl- amino)-6-methoxyquinoline, 7-chloro-l,l0-phenathroline, 4triethylsilyl-2,2'-dipyridyl, 5-(thiabenzyl)-1,10-phenanthroline, pyridine, 2,4-dimethyl pyridine, 2,6-dimethyl pyridine, 2,4,6trimethylpyridine, imidazole and the like; diamines, such as N,N,N' ,N'-tetramethyl ethylene diamine, N,N,N' ,N'-tetraethyl ethylene diamine, N,N,N',N'-etra-n-propyl ethylene diamine, N,N,N' ,N'-tetramethyl methylene diamine, N,N,N',N'-tetraethyl methylene diamine, N,N,N' ,N'-tetra-iso-butyl methylene diamine, and the like; and nitriles, suchas acetonitrile, propionitrile, adiponitrile, benzonitrile and the like. The organic compounds having oxygen or -phosphorus atoms and nitrogen atoms include hydroxy or carboxyl-substituted above mentioned organic nitrogen compound; such as 2-hydroxypyridine, methyl-substituted 2-hydroxypyridine, picolinic acid, methyl-substituted picolinic acid, 2,5-dicarboxy piperazine, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, 2,6-dicarboxy pyridine, 8-hydroxy quinoline, 2-carboxyquinoline, cyclohexane-1,2 diamine-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid, -salts of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, tetramethyl ester of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, ammonium salts like ammonium acetate; carboxylic amides, such as acetamide, acetanilide, N,N-dimethyl acetamide, N-methylrN-phenyl acetamide and the like; amino acid, such as N,N-dimethyl glycine, N,N-diethyl glycine and the like; l-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 4-methyl morpho-line N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl urea, N-methyl iminodiacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid, N-methyl iminodiacetic acid, phosphine, iminium salts such as triphenyl phosphine iminium chloride. Of these promoters, organic promoters having trivalent phosphous and trivalent nitrogen are particularly preferred. Effective inorganic promoters include metals having atomic weights of at least 6 and belonging to Groups la, IIa, IIIa; IVa, Ib, lIb, Vb, VIb and VIIb of the Periodic Table and compounds of these metals. Metals having atomic weights of less than 120 and compounds of the metals are preferable as inorganic promoters. Lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, aluminum, tin, zinc, cadmium, copper, manganese, chromi\un, vanadium and compounds of the metals are preferred. Elemental metals are usable in the form of finely milled powder. Organic or inorganic compounds of the metals are usable. Particularly, typical compounds of elements as inorganic promoters include oxides, hydroxides, halides, preferable bromides, and iodides, oxyhalides, hydrides, carbonyls, alkoxides, nitrates, nitrites, phosphates, phosphites and aliphatic, alicyclic, naphthenic and aryl-aliphatic carboxylates such as acetates, butyrates, decanoates, laurylates, stearates, and benzoates. Metal chelates, associate compounds of the metals and enol salts of the metals are also preferable as promoter. Particularly preferable inorganic promoters include bromides, iodides and organic acid salt, such as acetates of the metals. The use of both an organic promoter and an inorganic promoter with the metal component as main component is preferred. The amount of metal belonging to Group VIII of the Periodic Table employed as the main component may be in the range of from 10 6 to 5 mol, preferably 10 4 - 1 mol and more preferably 10 3 to 0.5 mol, per liter of total amount of liquid starting material(s) and solvent. The amount of iodide component and/or bromide component employed as secondary component may be in the range of form 10-6 to 15 mol, preferably to 5 mol and more preferably 10-4 to 3 mol per liter of total amount of liquid starting material(s) and solvent. The amount of the organic or inorganic promoter employed depends on the amount of main catalyst employed. In general, the amount of the organic or inorganic promoter employed may be in the range of from 10 6 to l0 mol, preferably 10 4 to 5 mol per liter'of total amount of starting material(s) and solvent. In practicing this invention, the reaction temperature is not critical. In general, the reaction temperature may be in the range 6f 200C - 500 C, preferably 30 - 3500C, more preferably 40 - 2500C. The reaction pressure is kept high enough to keep the the ram material(s), the solvent and the product in a liquid phase and to maintain appropriately partial pressure of each of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The partial pressure cf each of carbon monoxide and hydrogen may be in the range of 0.5 - 350 atm, preferably 1 - 300 atm, anymore preferably 3 - 250 atm. However, partial pressure of each of carbon monoxide and hydrogen may be in the range of 0.05 - 1000 atm. Carbon monoxide used as a starting material need not necessarily have high purity. The carbon monoxide may contain hydrogen, carbon dioxide, ethane, nitrogen and rare gases. Hydrogen contained in the carbon monoxide tends to make the catalyst stable and assists to proceed to reaction effectively. However, carbon monoxide of extremely low purity is not preferred, because it increases the pressure of reaction system. Dimethyl acetal, acetaldehyde, methyl acetate and dimethyl ether can be produced by processes which do not use petrochemicals such as methylene, etc. as a starting material for they can be synthesized from methanol and synthesis gas (H2 + CO) k-efer to Patent Publication (for opposition) No. 2525/1973, Patent Publication (laid open) NO. 149213/1976, Patent Publication (laid open) No. 136110/1977 and Patent Publication (laid open) No.136111/1977]. The starting materials produced by the above processes may contain inpurities such as methanol, acetic acid etc. formed as by-products, and such impurities can be tolerated. In case of synthesizing ethylidenediacetate from acetaldehyde, methyl acetate or dimethyl ether and carbon monoxide, the molar ratio of acetaldehyde to methyl acetate or dimethyl ether may vary over a wide range. But, in order tQ increase conversion ratio of acetaldehyde, methyl acetate or dimethyl ether is used-in excess of the stoichimetric ratio. The product, ethylidenediacetate, produced according to this invention is likely to decompose in the presence of water. After the raw material and the solvent have been dried to a substantially anhydrous state, they should be introduced into the reaction system. The reaction system should be kept in a substantially anllydrous state. In other words, water content in the reaction system should be kept to less than 10 mol % on the basis of total mol of the liquid components present in the reaction system, preferably less than 5 mol % and more preferably less than 3 mol t. When methyl acetate or dimethyl ether either is used as a starting material, it serves as a solvent for reaction. So another solvent is not necessary. However, when dimethyl acetal is used as a starting material or even when methyl acetate or dimethyl ether is used as a starting material, an organic solvent and a diluent compatible with the raw materials and the product under the reaction conditions may be used. Examples of the organic solvent include organic acids, such as acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, octanoic acid, phthalic acid, benzoic acid; esters of organic acids, such as methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, ethylene glycol diacetate, propylene glycol diacetate, dimethyl adipate, methyl benzoate, ethyl benzoate, dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate, phenyl acetate, and tolyl acetate; hydrocarbons, such as dodecane, hexadecane, benzene, naphthalene, and biphenyl; esters of inorganic acids, such as triphenyl phosphate, tricresyl phosphate, dibutylphenyl phosphate, silicates such as tetramethyl ortho-silicate, and tetrabutyl silicate; aromatic ethers, such as diphenyl ethers; ketones, such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, dibutyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, acetophenone, and benzophenone. When dimethyl acetal or dimethyl ether is used as a starting material, acetic acid or its derivative, for example, methyl acetate, other carboxylic esters, carboxylic anhydride, such acetic anhydride, or mixtures thereof may be used as a solvent. When methyl acetate is used as a starting material, methyl acetate itself, acetic acid which is a derivative of methyl acetate or mixture thereof may be used as a solvent. These solvents make the reaction system and the catalyst system stable and increase selectivity and yield of the product. The present process may be carried out by batch, semicontinuous or continuous method. When the semi-continuous and continuous methods are used, the concentration of acetaldehyde or dimethyl acetal can be kept at such a lower level that little or no polymerization of acetaldehyde or dimethyl acetal occurs, so these method are preferable. The continuous method is more preferable from an industrial view point. This invention is further illustrated by non-limiting Examples. Example 1 Into a reactor were charged 0.341 grs. of rhodium trichloride, 1.36 grs. of triphenyl phosphine, 28.4 grs. of methyl iodide and 60 ml of methyl acetate (solvent). Air in the reactor was purged with carbon monoxide. The inside of the reactor was superpressurized and, then was heated to 1500C and was maintained at this temperature. 9.0 Grs. of dimethyl acetal under pressure was continuously charged over 2.6 hrs. into the reactor which was maintained at a total pressure of 90 ug/clll (CO partial pressure of 80 Rg/cm2) ). After charging of the starting materials was completed, the reaction was continued for 1.5 hours. After cooling the reaction mixture, GC analysis showed that it contained 11.0 grs. of ethylidenediacetate. The theoretical yield of the product was 75.3 mol % on the basis of dimethyl acetal. Example 2 Into a reactor were charged 0.35 grs. of chlorocarbonyl bis (triphenylphosphine)rhodium, 2.0 grs. of lithium acetate, 14.2 grs. of methyl iodide and 60 ml of methyl acetate (solvent). Air in the reactor was purged with nitrogen. The inside of the reactor was superpressurized and then was heated to l650C and was maintained at this temperature. 9.0 Grs. of dimethyl acetal under-pressure was continuously charged over 3 hours into the reactor which was maintained at a total pressure of 50 Kg/cmê (CO partial pressure of 40 Kg/cmê). After charging of the starting materials was completed, the reaction was continued for 2 hours. After cooling the reaction mixturc, GC analysis showed that it contained 10.4 grs. of ethylidenediacetate. The theoretical yield of the product was 71.2 mol t on the basis of dimethyl acetal. Example 3 Into a reactor were charged 1.0 gr. of palladium acetate, 5.0 grs. of triphenylphosphine, 25.5 grs. of methyl iodide and 60 ml of methyl acetate (solvent). Air in the reactor was purged with nitrogen. The inside of the reactor was superpressurized and then was heated to 150"C and was maintained at this temperature. 9.0 Grs. of dimethyl acetal under pressure was charged over 2 hours into the reactor which was maintained at a total pressure of 100 Kg/cmê (CO partial pressure of 90 Kg/cmê). After charging of the starting materials was completed, the reaction was continued for 2 hours. After cooling the reaction mixture, GC showed that it contained 6.6 grs. of ethylidenediacetate. . The theoretical yield of the product was 45.2 mol % on the basis of dimethyl acetal. Example 4 Into a reactor were charged 2.57 grs. of nickel acetylacetone, 4.1 grs. of tri(n-butyl)phosphine, 21.3 grs. of methyl iodide and 30 ml of methyl acetate and 50 ml of acetic acid (solvent). Air in the reactor was purged with nitrogen. The -inside of the reactor was superpressurized and then was heated to 1750C and was maintained at this temperature. 9.0 Grs. of dimethyl acetal under pressure was continuously charged over 3 hours into the reactor which was maintained at a total pressure of 53 Kg/cmê (CO partial pressure of 40 Kg/cmê). After charging of the starting materials was completed, the reaction was continued for 2 hours. After cooling the reaction mixture, GC analysis showed that it contained 5.9 grs. of ethylidenediacetate. The theoretical yield of the product was 40.4 mol t on the basis of dimethyl acetal. Example 5 Into a reactor were charged 0.341 grs. of rhodium trichloride, 0.56 grs. of 2,6-lutidine, 21.3 grs of methyl iodide and 30 ml methyl acetate and 50 ml of acetic acid (solvent). Air in the reactor was purged with nitrogen. The inside of the reactor was superpressurized and then was heated to 1650C and was maintained at this temperature. 9.0 Grs. of dimethyl acetal under pressure was charged over 3 hours into the reactor which was maintained at a total pressure of 70 Kg/cmê (CO partial pressure of 60 Kg/cmê). After charging of the starting materials was completed, the reaction was continued for 2 hours. After cooling the reaction mixture, GC analysis showed that it contained 9:8 grs. of ethylidenediacetate. The theoretical yield of the product was 67.1 mol % on the basis of dimethyl acetal. Example 6 Into a reactor were charged 0.341 grs. of rhodium trichloride, 1.36 grs. of triphenyl phosphine, 28.4 grs. of methyl iodide and 60 ml of methyl acetate (Sol + So.). Air in the reactor was purged with carbon monoxide. The inside of the reactor was superpressurized and then was heated to 1500C and was maintained at this temperature. 8.8 Grs. of acetaldehyde and 14. 8 grs. of methyl acetate under pressure were continuously charged over 2 hours into the reactor which was maintained at a total pressure of 90 Kg/cm2 (CO partial pressure of 80 Kg/cm2). After charging of the starting materials was completed, the reaction was continued for 2 hours. After cooling the reaction mixture, GC analysis showed that it contained 21. 8 grs. of ethylidenediacetete. The theoretical yield of the product was 74.7 mol % on the basis of acetaldehyde. Example 7 Into a reactor were charged. 0.35 grs. of chlorocarbonyl bis(triphenylphosphine)rhodium, 2.0 grs. of lithium acetate, 14.2 grs of methyl iodide and 60 ml of methyl acetate (Sol + S.M.). Air in the reactor was purged with nitrogen. The inside of the reactor was superpressurized and then was heated to 1650C and was maintained at this temperature. 8.8 Grs. of acetaldehyde and 14.8 grs. of methyl acetate under pressure were continuously charged over 2 hours into the reactor which was maintained at a total pressure of 50 Kg/cmê (CO partial pressure of 40 Kg/cmê). After charging of the starting materials was completed, the reaction was continued for 2 hours. After cooling the reaction mixture, CC analysis showed that it contained 19.6 grs. of ethylidenediacetate. The theoretical yield of the product was 67.1 mol % on the basis of acetaldehyde. Example 8 Into a reactor were charged 1.0 gr. of palladium acetate, 5.0.grs. of triphenylphosphine, 25.5 grs. of methyl iodide and 60 ml of methyl acetate (Sol + S.M.). Air in the reactor was purged with nitrogen. The inside of the reactor was superpressurized and then was heated to 1500C and was maintained at this temperature. 8.8 Grs. of acetaldehyde and 14.8 grs. of methyl acetate under pressure were charged over 2 hours into the reactor which was maintained at a total pressure of 100 F'g/cm2 (CO partial pressure of 90 Kg/cm2After charging of the starting materials was completed, the reaction was continued for 2 hours. After cooling the reactiom mixture, GC showed that it contained 14.1 grs. of ethylidenediacetate. The theoretical yield of the product. was 48.3 mol g on the basis of acetaldehyde. Example 9 Into a reactor were charged 2.57 grs. of nickel acetylacetone, 4.1 grs. of tri(n-butyl)phosphine, 21.3 grs. of methyl iodide and 30 ml of methyl acetate and 50 ml of acetic acid (Sol + sM.). Air in the reactor was purged with nitrogen. The inside of the reactor was superpressurized and then was heated to 1750C and was maintained at this temperature. 8 8 Grs. of acetaldehyde and 14.8 grs. of methyl 'acetate under pressure were continuously charged over 2 hours into the reactor which 2 was maintained at a total pressure of 53 Kg/cm (CO partial pressure of 40 Kg/cm2). After charging of the starting materials was completed, the reaction was continued for 2 hours. After cooling the reaction mixture, GC analysis showed that it contained 15.0 grs. of ethylidenediacetate. The theoretical yield of the product was 51.4 mol % on the basis of acetaldehyde. Example 10 Into a reactor were charged 0.341 grs of rhodium trichloride, 0.56 grs. of 2,6-lutidine, 21.3 grs. of methyl iodide and 30 ml of methyl acetate and 50 ml of acetic acid (Sol + S.M.). Air in the reactor was purged with nitrogen. The inside of the reactor was superpressurized and then was heated to ;L650C and was maintained at this temperature. 8.8 Grs. of acetaldehyde and 14.8 grs. of methyl acetate under pressure were charged over 2 hours into the reactor which was maintained at a total pressure of 70 Kg/cmê (CO partial pressure of 60 Kg/cmê). After charging of the starting materials was completed, the reaction was continued for 2 hours. 'After cooling the reaction mixture, GC analysis showed that it contained 19.1 grs. of ethylidenediacetate. The theoretical yield of the product was 65.4 mol % on the basis of acetaldehyde. Note: GC means gas chromatography. Sol + S.M. means "as solvent and starting-material".

Claims: CILA±TS I A process for producing ethylidenediacetate which is characterised by reacting carbon monoxide with at least one compound or mixture of two compounds selected from (1) dimethyl acetal, (2) acetaldehyde and methyl acetate, and (3) acetaldehyde and dimethyl ether in the presence of a catalyst comprising (a) as a main component at least one material selected from metals belonging to Group VIII of the Periodic Table, compounds of the metals and mixtures thereof and (b) as a secondary component at least one material selected from iodides, bromides and mixtures thereof under substantially anhydrous conditions. 2, A process as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the main component constituting the catalyst is selected from palladium, rhodium, nickel, cobalt and compounds of these metals. 3* A process as claimed in claim 1 or 2 characterised in that the secondary component is zt least one iodide. 4. A process as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 characterised in that the amount of the main component is in the range of from 10 6 to 5 mol per liter of the total amount of liquid starting material (s) and solvent. 5. A process as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 characterised in that the amount of the secondary component is in the range of from 10 6 to 15 mol per liter of the' total amount of liquid starting material (s) and solvent. 6. A process as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 characterised in that the reaction is effected in the presence of te catalyst and at least one promoter. 7. A process as claimed in claim 6 characterised in that the promoter is a non-hydrocarbon material and is capable of forming a co-ordination compound with the nickel component and/or the cobalt component and having one or more electron pairs capable of forming Co- ordination bond(s) with the metal component. 8. A process as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7 characterised in that the amount of the promoter employed is in the range of from 10-6 to 10 mol per liter of the total amount of starting material (s) and solvent. 9. A process as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 characterised in that the reaction pressure is kept high enough to keep the raw material and the product and optional solvent in-a liquid phase. 10. A process as claimed in any one of claims I to 9 characterized in that the reaction is effected at a temperature in the range of from 20 C to 500 C.

Inventors: ISSHIKI, TOMIYA, KIJIMA, YASUHIKO, KONDOH, TAKAO
Applicants: MITSUBISHI GAS CHEMICAL COMPANY, INC.
Application year: 1980
Main classification: C07C69
IPC codes: C07C69