Isobutanol-methanol mixtures from synthesis gas. Quarterly technical progress report, July 1--September 30, 1995

Abstract

Mechanistic and kinetic studies of methanol and ethanol coupling reactions on Cs/Cu/ZnO and Cu/ZnO/MnO catalysts using isotopically-labeled compounds have confirmed that coupling reactions proceed via intermediate dehydrogenation of alcohols to aldehydes. Ethanol coupling reactions are much faster than those of methanol because ethanol forms a more thermodynamically favored intermediate (acetaldehyde), with aldol condensation pathways kinetically available for chain growth. Cs decreases the rate of formation of aldehydes in alcohol dehydrogenation reaction and inhibits the undesired conversion of methanol and ethanol to synthesis gas (CO/H{sub 2}). Construction and start-up of the Catalytic Microreactor Unit (CMRU) for high pressure isobutanol synthesis studies have been completed. Initial certification runs have reproduced catalytic CO conversion rates on a standard APCI material (Cs/Cu/ZnO/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}). Condensation of higher alcohols in the transfer lines appears to be responsible for the observed low apparent selectivity to higher alcohols. The design and construction of the Temperature-Programmed Surface Reaction (TPSR) Unit for the study of the adsorption and reaction properties of alcohols and other oxygenates on isobutanol, synthesis catalysts and components is complete. The reduction of CuO powder and of a Cs/Cu/ZnO catalyst were used to certify the apparatus before proceeding with alcohol adsorption and reaction studies.