Effect of CO(sub 2) and H(sub 2)O and their interaction in a novel slurry phase synthesis of methanol

摘要

Experimental results on the influence of CO(sub 2) and H(sub 2)O in a novel liquid phase ''concurrent'' synthesis of methanol are presented. The synthesis carried out in a single reactor under mild conditions (T = 150(degrees)C; P = 910 psig) likely involves the carbonylation of methanol to methyl formate followed by the hydrogenolysis of the methyl formate to two molecules of methanol; the net result is the hydrogenation of CO to give methanol. Carbon dioxide is not an intermediate in this system. The tolerance of the alkali methoxide/Cu-chromite catalyst system to CO(sub 2) and H(sub 2)O will be discussed.