Integrated process for synthesizing alcohols and ethers from alkanes

US6462243B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignees

• GRT, Inc. · US
• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Xiao Ping Zhou · Waltham, US
• Ivan M. Lorkovic · Lompoc, US
• Galen D. Stucky · Goleta, US
• Peter Ford · Lompoc, US
• Jeffrey H. Sherman · Vero Beach, US
• Philip Grosso · Auburn, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 11, 2001
• Grant date: Oct 8, 2002
• Expiry date: Sep 11, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02P20/10
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Alcohols and/or ethers are synthesized from alkanes by mixing an alkane and bromine in a reactor to form alkyl bromide and hydrogen bromide. The alkyl bromide is directed into contact with metal oxide to form alcohol and/or ether and a metal bromide. The metal bromide is oxidized to metal oxide and bromine, both of which are recycled.