Integrated process for synthesizing alcohols and ethers from alkanes

US6472572B1 · 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: Jun 20, 2001
• Grant date: Oct 29, 2002
• Expiry date: Jun 20, 2021

Classification

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

Abstract

Methanol and/or dimethyl ether are manufactured from methane by mixing methane and bromine in a reactor to form methyl bromide and hydrogen bromide. The methyl bromide only or the methyl bromide and the hydrogen bromide are directed into contact with metal oxide to form methanol and/or dimethyl ether and a metal bromide. The metal bromide is oxidized to form original metal oxide catalyst and bromine, both of which are recycled.