Selective synthesis of acetic acid in high pressure carbon monoxide hydrogenation over a Rh–Mn–Ir–Li/SiO2 catalyst

Abstract

A highly efficient catalyst for direct synthesis of acetic acid from synthesis gas (H₂+ CO) has been developed; acetic acid was produced with > 65% selectivity in carbon efficiency and with high space time yield, a typical value being 130g (dm³ cat.)^–1 h^–1, over a Rh–Mn–Ir–Li/SiO₂ catalyst at 280 °C, with a pressure of 100 kg cm^–2, a space velocity of 10⁴ h^–1, and a ratio of H₂ to CO of 1:9.