| abstract |
Acetyl anhydrides, such as acetyl sulfate, are prepared by a process comprising contacting methane and carbon dioxide in an anhydrous environment in the presence of effective amounts of a transition metal catalyst and a reaction promoter, and an acid anhydride compound, and optionally an acid. The acetyl anhydride may be contacted with water, giving acetic acid, or with an alcohol, giving a product comprising an acetate ester and which may also comprise acetic acid. Optionally, water in stoichiometric amounts or less, with respect to the acetic anhydride, can be supplied to a continuous process of this type, giving some acetic acid in situ. |