| abstract |
A process for producing carboxylic acids having at least 5 carbon atoms in which a mixture of vicinal diols having at least 6 carbon atoms with 0.01 to 0.5 mol per cent of heavy metal compound catalyst is continuously introduced, in an amount and at a rate such that the reaction is maintained, into an initiated mixture of vicinal diols having at least 6 carbon atoms, carboxylic acids formed therefrom and a heavy metal compound catalyst, which is contacted with an oxygen containing stream of gas, the reaction being carried out at temperatures between 40° C and 200° C, preferably 60° C to 140° C, and the oxidation mixture is continuously drawn off. |