Process for improving productivity of a carbonylation catalyst solution by removing corrosion metals

A process for improving the productivity a catalyst solution comprising a set water and alkali metal ion concentration and corrosion metal contaminants selected from the group consisting of iron, nickel, chromium, molybdenum and mixtures thereof, which process comprises contacting said catalyst solution in a contacting cycle with a cation exchange resin and water in an amount sufficient to bring the water concentration of the catalyst solution as it proceeds through the contacting cycle within a range of about 0-2.5 wt. % to about 50 wt. %.

A process for improving the productivity of a carbonylation catalyst solution employed under low water conditions, said solution containing rhodium and alkali metal and further containing corrosion metal contaminants, which process comprises contacting the catalyst solution with an ion exchange resin and water in an amount sufficient to bring the water concentration of the catalyst solution as it proceeds through the contacting cycle within a range of about 0.25 wt. % to about 50 wt. % and, recover a catalyst solution of reduced corrosion metal contaminant content.