New low specific surface oxidised copper catalyst

摘要

A copper-based catalyst of composition Cux.(Cu2O)y.(CuO)2 (where x+y+z = 1), with a BET specific surface of 0.05 to less than 0.5 m<2>/g and a mean particle diameter of 1-200 microns, is new. Also claimed are a copper-based catalyst and a method of producing a copper-based oxidic catalyst, in which molten copper is sprayed into a reception medium at below the melting temperature of copper and the resulting solidified copper particles are isolated and then oxidised. Further claimed is a process for producing alkyl halosilanes by reaction of silicon with alkyl halides in the presence of the above catalyst and optionally promoters at 250-380 deg C.