A Catalytic Distillation Process for the One Step Synthesis of Methyl Isobutyl Ketone from Acetone: Liquid Phase Kinetics of the Hydrogenation of Mesityl Oxide

MIBK is a valuable industrial solvent used primarily in the paint and coating industry and in metallurgical extraction processes. It is also used as a precursor in the production of specialty chemicals such as pesticides, rubber anti-oxidants as well as antibiotics and pharmaceuticals (1). Historically, MIBK has been produced commercially from acetone and hydrogen feedstock in three stages. First, acetone is dimerized to produce diacetone alcohol (DAA). Second, DAA is dehydrated to produce MO and water. Finally, the carbon-carbon double bond of MO is selectively hydrogenated to produce MIBK. These consecutive reactions are outlined in equations (1-3).