Rhodium catalyzed process for acetaldehyde and ethanol
AssigneeNational Distillers and Chemical Corporation
InventorsRichard W. Goetz, Lawrence D. Meixsel, David W. Smith
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Abstract
Acetaldehyde and ethanol are produced by the catalyzed reaction of formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and hydrogen using a halogen-containing rhodium catalyst.
Claims17
A process which comprises reacting formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and hydrogen in a solvent comprising an aprotic organic amide at a temperature of from about 75.degree. to about 250.degree. C. and superatmospheric pressure to form acetaldehyde in a first reaction stage and then ethanol in a second reaction stage, wherein a catalyst system initially comprised of a source of rhodium and a source of halide is present at least during said first reaction stage and wherein said second reaction stage is carried out in the presence of hydrogen, a hydrogenation catalyst and under sufficient conditions of temperature and pressure to effect hydrogenation.
A process for producing acetaldehyde and/or ethanol which comprises reacting formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and hydrogen in a solvent comprising an aprotic organic amide at a temperature of from about 75.degree. to about 250.degree. C. and superatmospheric pressure of from about 10 to about 700 atmospheres in the presence of a catalyst system comprised of a source of rhodium and a source of halide and recovering acetaldehyde and/or ethanol from said reaction.
A process for producing ethanol and/or acetaldehyde by reacting formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and hydrogen in a solvent comprising an aprotic organic amide at a temperature of from about 75.degree. to about 250.degree. C. and superatmospheric pressure in the presence of a catalyst system initially comprised of a source of rhodium and a source of halide as catalyst therefor and recovering ethanol and/or acetaldehyde.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.