Abstract:
Two reactors are used in this process. In the first, acetaldehyde is formed
by reduction of cupric chloride to cuprous chloride in the presence of
palladium chloride at a pressure of 11.2 bar. In the second, the cuprous
ion is oxidised back to cupric. Air and 95 percent pure ethylene are used
as raw materials. The yield to acetaldehyde is over 95 percent.
The pressure is reduced to atmospheric in a flash tower where the reaction
heat serves for evaporation of acetaldehyde and water vapour.
