US4126752A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Homologation of methanol with a carbon monoxide-water mixture
Assignee: Honeywell International Inc
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Filing: 1978-03-06
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Granted: 1978-11-21
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Expires: 1998-03-06
Abstract
Abstract An improved process is described for converting methanol to ethanol in which a mixture of methanol, liquid water and a Group VIII metal catalyst and a basic inorganic compound is contacted with an atmosphere of carbon monoxide at a temperature of about 240° to 280° C and a pressure of about 3,000-5,000 psi gauge. Good yields and selectivities of ethanol are obtained eliminating the necessity of using gaseous hydrogen or steam as starting materials, as required in prior art processes.
Inventors
- 👤 Miroslav Novotny
- 👤 Lowell R. Anderson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 15:32
CPC Classifications
C; C07; C07C; C07C29/00; C07C29/32
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
68 words
In a process for converting methanol to ethanol including contacting a mixture of methanol, water and Group VIII metal catalyst with an atmosphere consisting essentially of carbon monoxide, at a pressure greater than one atmosphere, the improvement which comprises conducting the process in the presence of a basic inorganic compound and at a temperature below the critical temperature of water, said water being substantially in the liquid state.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
68 words
In a process for converting methanol to ethanol including contacting a mixture of methanol, water and Group VIII metal catalyst with an atmosphere consisting essentially of carbon monoxide, at a pressure greater than one atmosphere, the improvement which comprises conducting the process in the presence of a basic inorganic compound and at a temperature below the critical temperature of water, said water being substantially in the liquid state.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The improvement in accordance with claim 1 wherein said basic inorganic compound is an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal inorganic basic compound.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The improvement in accordance with claim 2 wherein said basic inorganic compound is an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal carbonate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The improvement in accordance with claim 3 wherein said basic inorganic compound is sodium or potassium carbonate.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The improvement in accordance with claim 1 wherein said basic inorganic compound is soluble in the mixture of methanol, water and Group VIII metal catalyst.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The improvement in accordance with claim 1 wherein the temperature of the process is about 240° to 280° C.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The improvement in accordance with claim 1 wherein the pressure of the carbon monoxide atmosphere is about 3,000 to 5,000 psi gauge.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The improvement in accordance with claim 1 wherein said catalyst is soluble in the reaction mixture.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The improvement in accordance with claim 1 wherein said catalyst is insoluble in the reaction mixture.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
The improvement in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a secondary promoter reagent, soluble in the reaction mixture, which increases the percent conversion of methanol.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The process of claim 10 wherein said promoter agent is an alkali metal halide, alkaline earth halide or C 1 -C 4 alkyl halide.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the Group VIII metal catalyst is selected from cobalt-, ruthenium-, rhodium-, or iron-containing salts, or mixtures thereof.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
12 words
The process of claim 12 wherein the catalyst is a cobalt-containing salt.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-11-20 | 1982-05-22 | 1982-11-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-11-20 | 1986-05-22 | 1986-11-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-11-20 | 1990-05-22 | 1990-11-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |