Liquid-Phase Oxidation of MEP with Nitric Acid

This process has been running for the past 40 years in Lonza s plant in Visp Switzerland and is surprisingly selective. Continuous development and improvement of this process over the years have led to a high-quality product, and to Lonza s ability to maintain their position as the world leader in niacin manufacture. 

however many improvements and developments have been made to this process, it intrinsically holds some disadvantages, when considered from the green stand-point  

Traditional Lonza Process for Preparation of Nicotinic Acid 15000 tons/year 

2-Methyl-5-ethylpyridine Nicotinic Acid, 3-Pyridine carboxylic acid 

Safety using nitric acid at high temperatures and pressures requires a well-conceived and continually executed safety concept, using advanced reaction technology. 

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Liquid-Phase Oxidation of MEP with Nitric Acid (Scheme 15.3)... 

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