| abstract |
The present invention combines ethylene, acetic acid and oxygen containing gases at elevated temperatures in the presence of a catalytic material to (i) a mixed product containing vinyl acetate, (ii) a liquid by-product containing acetic acid and water and (iii) carbon dioxide. Before preparing the gaseous by-products, separating the liquid by-products from the mixed product, and introducing them into the reactor, the amount of water introduced into the reactor is less than 6% by weight, preferably 4% of the total amount of acetic acid and water introduced into the reactor It relates to a process for producing vinyl acetate comprising the step of reducing the content of water by treating it to less than%, more preferably less than 3% by weight. |