Production of ethanol from methanol
US8436215B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 28, 2011 |
| Grant date | May 7, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 28, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC07C67/36
- WIPO fieldOrganic fine chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A process for converting methanol to ethanol which comprises reacting methanol and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst to produce a product comprising at least 25 mole % methyl acetate and, in some instances, acetic acid. The acetic acid then is reacted with at least one alcohol to produce at least one acetate selected from methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and butyl acetate. The at least one acetate (if produced) and the methyl acetate produced as a result of reacting methanol and carbon monoxide then are hydrogenated to produce ethanol. Syngas may be produced from biomass to produce all or a portion of the methanol, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide requirements for the process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.