Production
In 2003, global production was about 1 million tonnes. The main production method is the oxidation of ethylene via the Wacker process:
- 2 CH2=CH2 + O2 → 2 CH3CHO
Alternatively, hydration of acetylene, catalyzed by mercury salts gives ethenol, which tautomerizes to acetaldehyde. This industrial route was dominant prior to the Wacker process When smaller capacities are required it can also be prepared via dehydrogenation or partial oxidation combined with dehydrogenation. Some acetaldehyde forms upon hydrogenation of CO, but this method is not used commercially.
Read more about this topic: Acetaldehyde
Famous quotes containing the word production:
“The society based on production is only productive, not creative.”
—Albert Camus (1913–1960)
“The production of obscurity in Paris compares to the production of motor cars in Detroit in the great period of American industry.”
—Ernest Gellner (b. 1925)
“... if the production of any commodity necessitates the sacrifice of human life, society should do without that commodity, but it can not do without that life.”
—Emma Goldman (1869–1940)