Development of a process for production of acetonitrile from acetic acid and ammonia

The development of a process for production of acetonitrile using a fluid bed, semi‐synthetic, silica‐alumina catalyst is described. The effects of reaction temperature and pressure, choice of catalyst, linear gas velocity and the mole ratio of reactants on the yield of acetonitrile from a pilot unit are given. Purification of the product is described. Some details concerning problems encountered in scaling up the process for commercial production are discussed. Experience gained from the operation of a commercial unit relating to the design of fluid bed reactors is summarized.