Integrated process for the production of dimethyl carbonate
AssigneeThe Dow Chemical Company
InventorHarold D. Myers
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Abstract
An integrated process for the production of dimethyl carbonate is disclosed. The processes utilizes oxygen and an inexpensive carbon source such as natural gas as reactants. Other reactants are generated within the process and used without isolation. The process produces dimethyl carbonate and water with other by-products being recycled.
Claims11
An integrated process for the production of dimethyl carbonate from a carbon source suitable for the production of synthesis gas and oxygen comprising the steps of
- (a) reacting the carbon source and oxygen to form a synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide in a molar ratio of from 1:1 to 3:1;
- (b) reacting the carbon monoxide and hydrogen formed in step (a) to produce methanol with excess carbon monoxide;
- (c) reacting the methanol and carbon monoxide formed in step (b) with oxygen in the presence of a catalyst to form predominantly dimethyl carbonate and water;
- (d) separating the products, any unreacted reactants and any by-products formed in steps (a), (b) and (c);
- and
- (e) recycling any by-products formed in steps (a), (b) or (c) and any unreacted reactants.
An integrated process for the production of dimethyl carbonate from a carbon source suitable for the production of synthesis gas, oxygen and carbon dioxide, comprising the steps of
- (a) reacting the carbon source, oxygen and carbon dioxide to form a synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide in a molar ratio of from 1:1 to 3:1;
- (b) reacting the carbon monoxide and hydrogen formed in step (a) to produce methanol with excess carbon monoxide;
- (c) reacting the methanol and carbon monoxide formed in step (b) with oxygen in the presence of a catalyst to form predominantly dimethyl carbonate and water;
- (d) separating the products, any unreacted reactants and any by-products formed in steps (a), (b) and (c);
- and
- (e) recycling any by-products formed in steps (a), (b) or (c) and any unreacted reactants.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.