Process for the production of a mixture of methanol and higher alcohols.

摘要

1. Process of producing a mixture of methanol and higher alcohols having 2 to 7 carbon atoms per molecule from a synthesis gas containing hydrogen and carbon oxides by a reaction carried out at a temperature in the range from 200 to 320 degrees C on a copper, zinc and aluminium containing catalyst and under a pressure in the range from 50 to 100 bars, characterized in that a catalyst precursor is used, which contains 35 to 65 wt. % CuO, 15 to 45 wt. % ZnO, 5 to 20 wt. % Al2 O3 and up to 0.1 wt. % potassium, the oxides of said catalyst are reduced at least in part before the synthesis begins, and the catalyst is contacted with a synthesis gas having a H2 : CO mole ratio of 0.3 to 1.9 and a CO2 content not in excess of 2 vol. %.