A process is disclosed that relates to the recovery of a metal catalyst
from an oxidizer purge stream produced in the synthesis of carboxylic
acid, typically terephthalic. More particularly, the process involves
recovery of a metal catalyst from an oxidizer purge stream through the
use of a pressure filter, the combining of water with a mother liquor to
recover the metal catalyst and then subjecting an aqueous mixture so
formed to a single stage extraction with an extraction solvent to produce
an extract stream comprising organic impurities and a raffinate stream
comprising the metal catalyst.