Selective process for conversion of syngas to ethanol
US8288594B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 22, 2010 |
| Grant date | Oct 16, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 13, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC07C67/37
- WIPO fieldOrganic fine chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention provides processes for selectively producing ethanol from syngas. In some variations, the process comprises converting biomass-derived syngas to dimethyl ether, carbonylating the dimethyl ether to methyl acetate, hydrogenating the methyl acetate to methanol and ethanol, and recovering the ethanol product. The methanol is preferably recycled by converting to hydrogen and carbon monoxide for introduction back into the process at distinct points. In certain variations of this invention, fresh syngas feed is introduced downstream of the first unit operation in the sequence. High yields of ethanol from biomass can be achieved according to the disclosed processes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.