PROCESS FOR PRODUCING ETHANOL WITH ZONAL CATALYSTS

摘要

A process is disclosed for producing ethanol comprising contacting reactants comprising acetic acid and hydrogen in a reactor in the presence of a first catalyst in a first zone and a second catalyst in a second zone. The first catalyst is a mixed oxide comprising tin and at least one of cobalt or nickel. The second catalyst may be either: i) a supported Group VIII hydrogenation catalyst; ii) a copper-based catalyst; and iii) a secondary mixed oxide catalyst, wherein the secondary mixed oxide catalyst is different than the mixed oxide catalyst of the first zone.