| abstract |
A catalyst for the production of vinyl acetate from ethylene, acetic acid and oxygen is obtained by impregnating a support with palladium and gold compounds and then treating the impregnated support with a peroxy compound before reducing the metal compounds, adding an alkali metal compound and drying. A method of producing a catalyst for the gas-phase production of vinyl acetate (Vac) from ethylene, acetic acid and oxygen or O2-containing gas is new. This catalyst contains palladium and/or Pd compounds, gold and/or Au compounds and alkali metal compounds on a porous, particulate support, and is obtained by (a) impregnating the support with soluble Pd and Au compounds, (b) converting these soluble compounds into insoluble Pd and Au compounds on the support by adding an alkaline solution, (c) reducing the metal compounds with a reducing agent in the liquid or gas phase, (d) impregnating the support with soluble alkali metal compound(s), and (e) drying at not above 150 degrees C. In step (b), the catalyst is brought into contact with at least one peroxy compound. Independent claims are also included for (1) a catalyst made by this process; and (2) a process for the production of Vac from ethylene, acetic acid and oxygen in presence of this catalyst. |