Abstract:
A process for the separation of mixtures of vinyl acetate and methanol containing minor amounts of impurities is provided. Vinyl acetate is separated from the mixture by extractive distillation with a benzene or napthalene hydrocarbon derivative whereas methanol is recovered from the overhead product by distillation.
Abstract:
Recovery of vinyl acetate (I) from mixts. of (I) and MeOH contaminated with MeOAc and MeCHO by extractive distn. comprises : (a) separating the mixt., opt. also contg. H2O, into a top prod. of MeOH, MeOAc, MeCHO and small amts. of extractant (II) and (I) and a sump. prod. of (II) and (I), (II) being a benzene or naphthalene deriv. contg. only C and H, which is liq. at normal temp., boils above 100 degrees C and contains a polymerisation inhibitor (III), and (b) separating the sump prod. into (I) as top prod. and (II) as sump prod. (I) is obtd. in very pure form, which is esp. free from aldehydes and (III) and thus is suitable for the mfr. of high mol. polyvinyl acetate. Partic. suitable reagents are (II) 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, (III) phenthizine.