摘要 |
This invention relates to the manufacture of valuable alcohols containing 1 to 2 carbon atoms, especially glycol and ethanol from the reaction of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, by a homogeneous catalytic process using as a catalyst a solubilized ruthenium carbonyl complex. The invention also encompasses the catalyst formed during the process. A particular desirable embodiment of the invention is the continuous operation thereof in a manner which minimizes inhibition of glycol formation and represses formation of adverse or undesirable glycol byproducts. This application is a continuation-in-part of copending U. S. Patent Application Serial Number 091,242, filed November 15, 1979, which is a continuation-in-part of U. S. Patent Applications Serial Numbers 971,667 and 971,816, both filed December 21, 1978, all of which applications are commonly assigned. |