PRODUCTION OF ETHANOL FROM SYNTHESIS GAS

摘要

A process for producing ethanol from synthesis gas by reacting the hydrogen and carbon monoxide of the synthesis gas to provide methanol, which then is subjected to dehydration to produce at least one ether, such as dimethyl ether. The ether, such as dimethyl ether, then is subjected to carbonylation with unreacted carbon monoxide from the synthesis gas to provide at least one acetate, such as methyl acetate. The acetate then is subjected to hydrogenolysis to produce ethanol.