Homologation of methanol to ethanol - by reacting methanol with synthesis gas, cobalt aceto-acetonate, tert. organic Gp=VA cpd. and promoters

摘要

The process comprises reaching methanol with H2 and CO in the presence of cobalt acetoacetonate (IV), a tert. organic Gp VA cpd. (I), an iodine promoter (II) and a Ru cpd. (III) as a second promoter, at 150-250 degrees C and 1000-6000 psig. (I) has formula: (where E is P3+, As3+ or S Sb3+; R1-3 are 1-24C (un)satd. alkyl opt. branched, 6-20C aryl, 1-30C alkenyl, 3-40C cycloalkyl, 6-40C aralkyl or alkanyl; n is 0 or 1 and when n = 1, E is P3+). The ratio IV:(I) is 1:20-20:1; IV:II is 1:100-100:1; and IV:III is 1:20-20:1. The catalyst system is highly selective to the formation of ethanol, and minimises the formation of by-products e.g. acetaldehyde, ethers, esters.