Process for the electrooxidation of methanol to formaldehyde and methylal
US5223102A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 3, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jun 29, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 3, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01J2219/00162
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Formaldehyde and/or methylal are made by the electrooxidation of methanol in an apparatus which is divided into the anode compartment and the cathode compartment by a cationic membrane made of a fluoropolymer and having pendant fluorosulfonyl or sulfonic acid groups, which is coated on one side with platinum applied by the impregnation-reduction method, said coating serving as the anode. The cathode may be a metal layer on the opposite side of the membrane or a separate metal cathode. When the separate metal cathode is employed, the cathode compartment contains a liquid electrolyte, which is a concentrated inorganic acid, preferably phosphoric acid. Within specifically identified temperature ranges, the yield of formaldehyde and of methylal can be optimized by controlling the mole fraction or partial pressure of methanol feed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.