| abstract |
ETHANOL SYNTHESIS BY HOMOLOGATION OF METHANOL ABSTRACT Methanol can be converted into ethanol by reaction with carbon monoxide and hydrogen, at a temperature of at least 150°C and a pressure of at least 35 bars, in the presence of a catalyst comprising (a) a ruthenium compound, (b) a quaternary phosphonium or ammonium base or salt, and (c) cobalt(II) iodide, bromide or chloride. Optionally the reaction is carried out in the presence of an oxygenated hydrocarbon solvent (e.g. an ether, ester, ketone or alcohol). The simultaneous use of a ruthenium compound and a cobalt(II) halide results in ethanol formation in a higher yield and with greater selectivity than is achieved using either material in the absence of the other. |