Low temperature catalysts for methanol production

US4614749A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Richard Sapienza · Shoreham, US
• William A. Slegeir · Longview, US
• Thomas E. O'Hare · Huntington Station, US
• Devinder Mahajan · Selden, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 23, 1985
• Grant date: Sep 30, 1986
• Expiry date: Dec 23, 2005

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07C29/157
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A catalyst and process useful at low temperatures (below about 160.degree. C.) and preferably in the range 80.degree.-120.degree. C. used in the production of methanol from carbon monoxide and hydrogen is disclosed. The catalyst is used in slurry form and comprises a complex reducing agent derived from the component structure NaH--RONa--M(OAc).sub.2 where M is selected from the group consisting of Ni, Pd, and Co and R is a lower alkyl group containing 1-6 carbon atoms. This catalyst is preferably used alone but is also effective in combination with a metal carbonyl of a group VI (Mo, Cr, W) metal. The preferred catalyst precursor is Nic (where M=Ni and R=tertiary amyl). Mo(CO).sub.6 is the preferred metal carbonyl if such component is used. The catalyst is subjected to a conditioning or activating step under temperature and pressure, similar to the parameters given above, to afford the active catalyst.