PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF 2,5-FURAN-DICARBOXYLIC ACID

2,5-Furandicarboxylic acid and methyl acetate are prepared in a continuous process by introducing a 5-methoxymethylfurfural-containing feedstock, an oxygen-containing gas, an oxidation catalyst and an acetic acid-containing solvent into a reactor; allowing 5-methoxymethylfurfural to react with oxygen and acetic acid in the presence of the oxidation catalyst to yield 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid as main product and methyl acetate; withdrawing 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid-containing product from the reactor and recovering 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid product; and withdrawing a vaporous stream containing methyl acetate from the reactor.