Escambia process

Another process used in Japan for making methyl methacrylates is the Escambia process. Methyl methacrylate is made by nitric acid oxidation of isobutylene to methacrylic acid and esterification with methanol [40]. 

This process appears to be very similar to the process developed by the Escambia Chemical Company which has been known for over 30 years and mentioned in all the previous editions of this book (Figure 15.5b). 

Escambia (1) A process for oxidizing isobutene to a-hydroxy-isobutyric acid (HIBA), for use as an intermediate in the manufacture of methacrylates. The oxidant was dinitrogen tetroxide, N204. Operated by the Escambia Chemical Corporation, FL, in 1965 before its destruction by an explosion in 1967. It has not been used again. 

Escambia (2) A process for oxidizing propylene to propylene oxide. A transition metal catalyst is used in an organic solvent at high temperature and pressure. Developed by the Escambia Corporation. 

The operators are presently building a 90-MMcf/D gas-processing plant to recover natural gas liquids from gas from the Jay-Little Escambia Creek field and the Flomaton field, located about 15 miles northwest of Jay in Alabama. The plant will also be located adjacent to the St. Regis facility and will be of cryogenic design to recover 80 percent ethane. It will start up in early 1975. 

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