Monsanto Company

John H Craddock

Arnold Hershman

Frank E Paulik

James F Roth

The present invention relates to an improved one-step process for the preparation of propionic acid, specifically by the reaction of ethylene with carbon monoxide and water at mild pressure, in the presence of catalyst compositions essentially comprising critical proportions of rhodium components with a bromide promoter. Under these reaction conditions, the process is catalytic both with respect to the rhodium and the bromide components.

Production of propionic acid

The present invention relates to an improved one-step process for the preparation of propionic acid, specifically by the reaction of ethylene with carbon monoxide and water at mild pressure, in the presence of catalyst compositions essentially comprising critical proportions of iridium components with a bromide promoter. Under these reaction conditions, the process is catalytic both with respect to the iridium and the bromide components.

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Ballwin, MO, United States of America

John H Craddock