abstract |
Preparation of an aliphatic carboxylic acid having (n + 1) carbon atoms, where n is an integer up to 6, may be achieved by contacting an aliphatic alcohol having n carbon atoms or a reactive derivative thereof with carbon monoxide, in the presence of a copper, nickel, iridium, rhodium or cobalt loaded mordenite zeolite catalyst, at elevated temperature and at a pressure in the range 15 to 200 bars. |