Question

How to produce propanoic acid from butane

Answer 1

DESCRIPTION

This invention relates to a process of oxidizing normal butane to acetic acid which comprises contacting a sufficient concentration of an oxygen containing gas with butane in the presence of a dissolved catalyst consisting essentially of bromine and cobalt to initiate a self-sustaining exothermic reaction. More particularly, this invention relates to a process of oxidizing normal butane to acetic acid which comprises injecting an oxygen containing gas below the surface of a reaction medium at a rate sufficient to initiate a self-sustaining exothermic reaction wherein said reaction medium comprises acetic acid solvent, butane and a dissolved catalyst consisting essentially of bromine and cobalt.