A process for the production of methyl acetate by carbonylating dimethyl ether with carbon monoxide at a temperature of 250 to 350 C. in the presence of a zeolite catalyst and hydrogen such that the molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide is at least 1, and one or more compounds containing a hydroxyl functional group and in the absence of any added methyl acetate.

A process for the production of methyl acetate by carbonylating dimethyl ether with carbon monoxide at a temperature of 250 to 350 C. in the presence of a zeolite catalyst and hydrogen such that the molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide is at least 1, and one or more compounds containing a hydroxyl functional group and in the absence of any added methyl acetate.

A process for the production of methyl acetate by carbonylating dimethyl ether with carbon monoxide at a temperature of 250 to 350 C. in the presence of a zeolite catalyst and hydrogen such that the molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide is at least 1, and one or more compounds containing a hydroxyl functional group and in the absence of any added methyl acetate.

A catalytic reaction of ethylene oxide (EO) coupling with syngas to produce 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) is disclosed. The catalytic reaction of EO, carbon monoxide and the alcohol uses a N,O-ligand coordinated metal complex catalyst. The reaction is carried out in an organic solvent in the presence of an additive at the temperature of 30-190 C. and the CO pressure of 1-150 atm for 0.1-200 h to prepare 3-hydroxypropinate (3HP). The catalytic reaction of 3HP with dihydrogen uses a copper-containing mixed metal silicon oxide catalyst with a molecular formula of M.sub.uCu.sub.vSi.sub.yO.sub.z. The reaction is carried out at 80-400 C. and 20-150 atm for 0.1-200 h to prepare the 1,3-PDO. The yield of the 1,3-PDO can reach to 73%. The alcohol byproduct generated in the second step catalytic hydrogenation reaction can be recycled to use for the first step catalytic reaction by the ring opening-carbonylation-esterification.

A catalytic reaction of ethylene oxide (EO) coupling with syngas to produce 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) is disclosed. The catalytic reaction of EO, carbon monoxide and the alcohol uses a N,O-ligand coordinated metal complex catalyst. The reaction is carried out in an organic solvent in the presence of an additive at the temperature of 30-190 C. and the CO pressure of 1-150 atm for 0.1-200 h to prepare 3-hydroxypropinate (3HP). The catalytic reaction of 3HP with dihydrogen uses a copper-containing mixed metal silicon oxide catalyst with a molecular formula of M.sub.uCu.sub.vSi.sub.yO.sub.z. The reaction is carried out at 80-400 C. and 20-150 atm for 0.1-200 h to prepare the 1,3-PDO. The yield of the 1,3-PDO can reach to 73%. The alcohol byproduct generated in the second step catalytic hydrogenation reaction can be recycled to use for the first step catalytic reaction by the ring opening-carbonylation-esterification.

A process for the production of methyl acetate by carbonylating at a temperature of 250 to 350 C., in the presence of a zeolite catalyst, a feed comprising dimethyl ether, a gas comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen at a molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide of at least 1, methyl acetate and one or more compounds containing a hydroxyl functional group.

A process for the production of methyl acetate by carbonylating at a temperature of 250 to 350 C., in the presence of a zeolite catalyst, a feed comprising dimethyl ether, a gas comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen at a molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide of at least 1, methyl acetate and one or more compounds containing a hydroxyl functional group.

A process for the production of methyl acetate by carbonylating at a temperature of 250 to 350 C., in the presence of a zeolite catalyst, a feed comprising dimethyl ether, a gas comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen at a molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide of at least 1, methyl acetate and one or more compounds containing a hydroxyl functional group.

Provided are processes for monitoring and maintaining continuous carbonylation of epoxides or lactones. Processes include measuring parameters affecting the rate of the carbonylation reaction and adding supplemental replacement catalyst replacement components to maintain a constant rate of carbonylation.

Provided are processes for monitoring and maintaining continuous carbonylation of epoxides or lactones. Processes include measuring parameters affecting the rate of the carbonylation reaction and adding supplemental replacement catalyst replacement components to maintain a constant rate of carbonylation.