SLURRY PHASE SYNTHESIS OF METHANOL WITH A POTASSIUM METHOXIDE COPPER CHROMITE CATALYTIC-SYSTEM

The use of methanol as a fuel additive and in methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE) production has renewed interest in the search for improved methanol processes. A slurry phase concurrent synthesis of methanol using a potassium methoxide/copper chromite mixed catalyst which operates under relatively mild conditions (100-180-degrees-C, 30-65 atm) is described. The reaction pathway likely involves a homogeneous carbonylation of methanol to methyl formate followed by the heterogeneous hydrogenolysis of methyl formate to two molecules of methanol - the net result being the reaction of hydrogen with carbon monoxide to give methanol via methyl formate. The copper chromite also catalyzes the regeneration of the potassium methoxide catalyst in solution from potassium formate and potassium methyl carbonate resulting in tolerance to small amounts of water and carbon dioxide. A synergistic effect between the potassium methoxide and copper chromite results in high rates of methanol formation in the concurrent synthesis.