Process for the selective production of ethanol and methanol directly from synthesis gas

A process for the selective, direct production of ethanol or mixtures thereof with other alkanols containing up to three carbon atoms, which method comprises the reaction of carbon monoxide and hydrogen in contact with a homogeneous ruthenium catalyst, a halogen or halide promoter and an organic phosphine oxide compound, wherein said process is carried out at:

• (a) a total pressure of from 500 to 20,000 psi,
• (b) a temperature of from 100.degree. C. to 350.degree. C.,
• (c) the carbon monoxide to hydrogen ratio of the gas mixture charged is from 0.1:1 to 10:1,
• (d) the ruthenium compound charged is capable of generating a soluble ruthenium complex under the reaction conditions and it is charged at a concentration of from 0.01 to 30 weight percent based on the total weight of the reaction mixture,
• (e) said promoter is (i) elemental iodine or bromine or a compound thereof which is or is capable of generating hydrogen iodide or hydrogen bromide during the reaction and is charged at an amount sufficient to generate a hydrogen halide to ruthenium atom mole ratio of from 0.001:1 to 5:1 in the reaction mixture, or (ii) an alkali metal halide at a ratio to ruthenium atom as high as 20:1, or (iii) a mixture thereof
• (f) said organic phosphine oxide is charged at a concentration of from 1 to 100 weight percent of total solvent charged to the reactor.