Alkali or alkaline earth metal promoted catalyst and a process for methanol synthesis using alkali or alkaline earth metals as promoters
US5385949A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 24, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jan 31, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 24, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC07C29/153
- WIPO fieldOrganic fine chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention relates to a novel route for the synthesis of methanol, and more specifically to the production of methanol by contacting synthesis gas under relatively mild conditions in a slurry phase with a heterogeneous catalyst comprising reduced copper chromite impregnated with an alkali or alkaline earth metal. There is thus no need to add a separate alkali or alkaline earth compound. The present invention allows the synthesis of methanol to occur in the temperature range of approximately 100.degree.-160.degree. C. and the pressure range of 40-65 atm. The process produces methanol with up to 90% syngas conversion per pass and up to 95% methanol selectivity. The only major by-product is a small amount of easily separated methyl formate. Very small amounts of water, carbon dioxide and dimethyl ether are also produced. The present catalyst combination also is capable of tolerating fluctuations in the H.sub.2 /CO ratio without major deleterious effect on the reaction rate. Furthermore, carbon dioxide and water are also tolerated without substantial catalyst deactivation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.