Economical Aspects

In both one and two-stage processes the acetaldehyde yield is about 95%and
the production costs are virtually the same. The advantage of using dilute gases in the
two-stage method is balanced by higher investment costs. Generally, the choice of
method is governed by the raw material and energy situations as well as by the
availability of oxygen at a reasonable price.
Environmental Aspects
The waste air from the oxidation process contains small amounts of unconverted
ethylene, some acetaldehyde, and side products from the reaction such as ethane,
chloromethane, chloroethane, and methane. In some countries the waste air must be
purified of these side products to meet the criterias. Also, side products of the oxidation
process that enter the wastewater are acetic acid, crotonaldehyde and chlorinated
aldehydes. Some of the chlorinated aldehydes are highly toxic and show high
antimicrobial activity. Therefore they must be treated before entering the wastewater
plant to render them biologically degradable.