Fuel-grade alcohol prodn. from synthesis gas - with recycle of ethanol to increase propanol and butanol yields

摘要

Prodn. of alcohols, esp. primary satd. straight-chain alcohols, is effected as in the Parent Patent by reacting CO with H2 in the presence of a catalyst of compsn. (Cu)x(Co)y(M)z(A)v (where M is Cr, Fe, V and/or Mn; A is one or more alkali metals; x=0.1-1; y=0.1-1; z=0.2-1; v is 0.001-0.25 times the sum of x+y+z). The improvement comprises fractionating the reaction prod. to recover some or all of the ethanol, and recycling the ethanol to the reactor to convert at least part of the ethanol to n-propanol and n-butanol. The prods. can be used as blending stocks for gasoline motor fuels. Increasing the amt. of 3-4C alcohols in the prod. increases the solubility of methanol in the blended fuels and improves their water tolerance.