Dialkyl and diaryl ether production from metal alcoholate

摘要

A dialkyl or diaryl ether is produced by reacting carbon dioxide with a metal alcoholate having the formula, M(RO)x, where “M” is a Group 1, Group 2, or Group 3 metal; “x” is the valence of the metal M; “R” is a C1 to C6 lower alkyl or aryl, wherein the reaction produces a dialkyl or diaryl ether having a formula, R—O—R, and a metal carbonate having a formula M2CO3 where M is a Group 1 metal, MCO3 where M is a Group 2 metal, and M2(CO3)3 where M is a Group 3 metal. The metal carbonate may be removed by conventional means, such as filtration. The dialkyl or diaryl ether may be recovered and used as a fuel, fuel additive, propellant, or building block for other fuels or petrochemicals. In some cases the metal alcoholate is in an alcohol solution and the alcohol and metal carbonate are recycled to regenerate the metal alcoholate. A specific example of dimethyl ether production is disclosed.

主权项

1. A method of producing a dialkyl or diaryl ether comprising:
reacting carbon dioxide with a metal alcoholate having the formula, M(RO)x, where “M” is a Group 1, Group 2, or Group 3 metal, “x” is the valence of the metal M, and “R” is an aryl group selected from phenyl and naphthyl, under reaction conditions which produce a dialkyl or diaryl ether having a formula, R—O—R, and a metal carbonate having a formula, M2CO3 where M is a Group 1 metal, MCO3 where M is a Group 2 metal, and M2(CO3)3 where M is a Group 3 metal, wherein the dialkyl or diaryl ether is produced at a temperature in the range from −25° C. to 70° C., and wherein the metal alcoholate is in an alcohol solution; removing the metal carbonate; and recovering the dialkyl or diaryl ether.