| abstract |
An object of the present invention is to improve the carbonylation rate of methanol or a reactive derivative thereof in the presence of an iridium catalyst. Methanol is produced in a liquid reaction composition comprising (a) acetic acid, (b) iridium catalyst, (c) methyl iodide, (d) at least a finite amount of water, and (e) methyl acetate. Alternatively, the reactive derivative is contacted with carbon monoxide to carbonylate methanol or its reactive derivative. [Selection figure] None |