A process for the carbonylation of alcohols by means of a rhodium or iridium based catalyst in a non-aqueous ionic solvent, with efficient reuse of the catalyst

摘要

Carbonylation process comprises (a) carbonylation in the presence of a rhodium and/or iridium complex and a halogenated promoter in a non-aqueous ionic liquid; (b) separation of the ionic liquid containing the catalyst; and (c) recycling of the ionic liquid containing the catalyst. The carbonylation process operates in three stages: (a) carbonylation in a reaction zone in the presence of a rhodium (Rh) and/or iridium (Ir) complex and a halogenated promoter in a non-aqueous ionic liquid; (b) separation of the ionic liquid containing the catalyst; and (c) recycling of the ionic liquid containing the catalyst. The reaction is carried out at 50-150 degrees C under 0.5-20 MPa pressure in the presence of a Rh and/or Ir complex and a halogenated promoter and in a non-aqueous ionic liquid comprising a salt Q+A-, in which Q+ is quaternary ammonium and/or phosphonium and the salt has a melting point of less than 90 degrees C. The ionic liquid, containing the catalyst, is then separated and recycled to the reaction zone. An Independent claim is also included for the installation of the process.