メタノールのホモロゲーション

Abstract

The recent advances in the homologation of methanol have been reviewed. The effects of iodine, phosphines, and co-catalysts on the cobalt catalyzed reaction are discussed. Methanol activation is enhanced by the addition of iodine through the formation of methyl iodide. Phosphine modification improves the selectivity of ethanol. The synergy is observed between cobalt and co-catalysts, such as ruthenium and iron. The addition of these co-catalysts improves the rate and the selectivity of ethanol. Transition metal complexes of iron, rhodium, ruthenium, and manganese catalyze the homologation of methanol in methanol amine solution. Carbon dioxide is produced as the oxygenated by-product in the place of water. The synergy between iron and manganese carbonyls enhances the rate and the selectivity of ethanol. The mechanistic aspects are also discussed.