Abstract
Abstract The direct formation of ethylene glycol and ethanol from synthesis gas in the presence of a homogeneous ruthenium carbonyl catalyst is promoted by onium halides, such as ammonium, phosphonium and iminium halides. The catalytic activities for ethylene glycol and ethanol formation are dependent on the nature of the halides, and increase in the order I − − − and Cl − − ≤ Br − , respectively. The ruthenium catalyst in conjunction with (Ph 3 P) 2 NCl shows the highest activity for ethylene glycol formation. The catalytic activities are dependent on the electron-accepting abilities of the solvents. A moderate electron-accepting ability of the solvent is important for oxygenate formation.
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