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The Production of Acetic Acid
RHODIUM CATALYSED CARBONYLATION OF METHANOL
Platinum Metals Review
Article Synopsis
The new Monsanto Company acetic acid process employs a rhodiumbased homogeneous liquid-phase catalyst which promotes methanol carbonylation in high selectivity and at low pressures. This article describes some of the chemistry involved in this process, with particular emphasis on the role played by rhodium complexes in the catalytic cycle.