Preparation of hydrogen iodide, lithium iodide and methyl iodide

摘要

The preparation of acetic anhydride by the carbonylation of methyl acetate in the presence of rhodium, an iodine compound and lithium at elevated temperatures and pressures is improved by the inclusion of about 2 to 7 volume percent hydrogen in the gas fed to the carbonylation reactor. The presence of hydrogen suppresses tar formation and increases reaction rate.