Process for low pressure synthesis of ethylene glycol from synthesis gas

摘要

This invention relates to the manufacture of ethylene glcyol and more particularly to a low pressure process for making ethylene glycol comprising reacting synthesis gas, i.e. a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, plus formaldehyde in the presence of a homogeneous liquid catalyst containing an effective amount of cobalt-containing compound and a silicon or germanium-containing promoter and a solvent at a temperature of at least 50 DEG C. and a pressure of at least 500 psi wherein said ethylene glycol product separates as a separate liquid phase from the solvent.