Preparation of pentanol with ethanol derived from fermentation

摘要

In one embodiment, the present application discloses methods to selectively synthesize higher alcohols and hydrocarbons useful as fuels and industrial chemicals from syngas and biomass. Ketene and ketonization chemistry along with hydrogenation reactions are used to synthesize fuels and chemicals. In another embodiment, ketene used to form fuels and chemicals may be manufactured from acetic acid which in turn can be synthesized from synthesis gas which is produced from coal, biomass, natural gas, etc.

主权项

1. A method for the preparation of an alkyl compound or a mixture of alkyl compounds, the method comprising:
a) preparing a ketene of the formula I from a carboxylic acid: wherein: each R1 is independently H or C1-6 alkyl; and each R2 is independently H or C1-6 alkyl; b) reacting the ketene in a self-addition reaction to form a diketene of the formula II; and c) hydrogenating the diketene of the formula II in the presence of a metal catalyst to form the alkyl compound or the mixtures of alkyl compounds, wherein the carboxylic acid is prepared from ethanol cellulosic feedstock or from a petroleum feedstock.