| abstract |
A process for producing acetic acid including an acetic acid collection step for feeding a first distillation column with a volatile component at least containing acetic acid, methyl acetate, methyl iodide, water, and hydrogen iodide. Separating a first lower boiling point component as an overhead, and collecting a first liquid stream containing acetic acid. An acetic acid purification step for feeding a second distillation column with the first liquid stream, and separating a second lower boiling point component as an overhead. Collecting a second liquid stream containing acetic acid. An alkali component is added or mixed for distilling a mixture to be treated containing the first liquid stream and the alkali component in the second distillation column. In the mixture, at least one component (A) having a boiling point lower than acetic acid. The at least one component (A) having a concentration of 0.1 to 15% by weight. |