Method for promoting dialkyldihalosilane formation during direct method alkylhalosilane production

摘要

Dialkyldihalosilane formation during direct method alkylhalosilane production is promoted by effecting reaction between alkyl halide and powdered silicon in the presence of a catalyst comprising copper, zinc, and aluminum and further comprising an amount of phosphorus and tin wherein the amount of phosphorus and tin substantially enhances the selectivity of dialkyldihalosilane formation in comparison to the selectivity of dialkyldihalosilane formation in the presence of the catalyst comprising copper, zinc, aluminum and tin without phosphorus.