Improvements in the production of carboxylic acids and nitriles

A cobalt oxide of higher oxidation state than the monoxide is prepared by the alkaline oxidation of freshly prepared cobalt monoxide or cobaltous hydroxide with e.g. an alkali hypochlorite or persulphate. The oxide may be represented approximately by the formula CoO1.1 to CoO1.9. It may also be prepared in situ in a reaction mixture for the oxidation of alcohols and amines to acids and nitriles by the reaction of an alkali hypochlorite on an aqueous solution of a cobalt salt.ALSO:Carboxylic acids or nitriles are prepared by the oxidation of a compound containing at least one primary alcohol or primary amino group in the presence of a cobalt oxide of higher oxidation state than cobalt monoxide. The cobalt oxide may be prepared by oxidizing freshly prepared cobalt monoxide or cobaltous hydroxide with e.g. an alkali hypochlorite or persulphate, or may be generated in situ by the action of an alkali hypochlorite, or other oxidizing agent, on an aqueous solution of a cobalt salt, and the oxidation process is preferably carried out in an aqueous alkaline medium. Specified alcohols include n-butanol-1, ethylene and propylene glycols, glycol ethers such as diethylene glycol, and tetraethylene glycol, and the monoalkyl ethers of these compounds. The examples describe the preparation of 2-ethoxy-ethoxy-acetic acid, butyric acid and the acid HOOC.CH2(OCH2CH2)2OCH2.COOH from the corresponding alcohols.