Inventors:
Wayne P. Schammel - Naperville IL
Donald E. Ruedin - Joliet IL
John N. Wood - Joliet IL
Leo C. Fende - Joliet IL
Assignee:
Amoco Corporation - Chicago IL
International Classification:
C07C 51265
Abstract:
A process is disclosed for oxidation of pseudocumene to trimellitic acid wherein process residue and bottoms from stripping procedures to recover process solvent are recycled and incorporated in filtrate mother liquor and reinjected into the oxidation reactor at a point in time at least after the first methyl group in the pseudocumene molecule has been oxidized to a carboxy group. Recovery of trimellitic acid is increased, catalyst recovery is increased in a form suitable for immediate recycle to the oxidation reaction, and waste products from the oxidation process are substantially reduced.