Process for synthesis of esters from gaseous reactants containing organic hydroxy compounds and mixtures of hydrogen and carbon monoxide

Abstract

A process for producing an ester is disclosed comprising contacting a gaseous reactant containing at least one organic hydroxy compound and a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen with an ester synthesis catalyst of the formula M.sub.a A.sub.b RuCu.sub.c N.sub.z O.sub.x wherein M is selected from the group consisting of Ce, Cr, Fe, Mn and mixtures thereof, A is an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or mixture thereof, a is from 0 to about 1, b is from 0.002 to about 10, c is from 0.2 to about 20, z is from 0 to about 196 by weight, x is the number of oxygens needed to fulfill the valence requirements of the other elements. The organic hydroxy compound can be provided separately or formed by contacting a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen with an alcohol synthesis catalyst at an elevated temperature and pressure. The alcohol synthesis catalyst and ester synthesis catalyst can be in tandem or mixed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.