Process for preparing alkanols from synthesis gas

Abstract

This invention concerns a process of making alkanols and particularly methanol which comprises reacting a mixture of CO and H.sub.2 at a pressure of about 500 psig or greater and at a temperature of at least 150.degree. C. in the presence of a catalyst system comprising a ruthenium-containing compound and a rhenium- or manganese-containing compound and a quaternary phosphonium or ammonium base or salt and in the presence of an inert, oxygenated solvent.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.