ALKENE SEPARATION METHOD

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an improved method for separating an alkene from a mixed gas consisting of the alkene, an alkane and oxygen. SOLUTION: The method for oxidizing a 2C-4C alkane to produce the corresponding alkene and carboxylic acid, comprises separation of the alkene from the mixture of the alkene, the alkane and oxygen by absorption in a metallic salt solution, and recovery of an alkene-rich stream from the metallic salt solution. Integrated methods for producing an alkyl carboxylate and alkenyl carboxylate, comprise oxidation of the 2C-4C alkane to produce the corresponding alkene and carboxylic acid, separation of the alkene from the mixture of the alkene, the alkane and oxygen by absorption in the metallic salt solution, and recovery of the alkene-rich stream from the metallic solution for use in production of the alkyl carboxylate or alkenyl carboxylate. COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT