Process for converting lower alkanes to esters
AssigneeCatalytica, Inc.
InventorsRoy A. Periana, Eric R. Evitt, Henry Taube
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Abstract
This invention is a process for converting lower alkanes into their corresponding esters and optionally into various intermediates (such as methanol) and other liquid hydrocarbons. The alkanes are oxidatively converted to oxy-esters at high selectivity using catalytic amounts of a Group VIII noble metal. If so desired, the alkyl oxy-esters may be converted to alcohols or other intermediates such as alkyl halides. The oxy-esters, alcohols, and other intermediates may optionally be converted to liquid hydrocarbons such as gasoline.
Claims36
A process for converting one or more lower alkanes to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons comprising the steps of:
- a. contacting one or more lower alkanes, an oxidizing agent, a strong mineral acid, and a catalyst comprising a Group VIII noble metal at esterification conditions to produce a lower alkyl oxy-ester of the acid in a molar amount greater than the molar amount of Group VIII noble metal,
- b. converting the lower alkyl oxy-ester of the acid to an alkyl intermediate, and
- c. catalytically converting the alkyl intermediate to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons.
A process for esterifying one or more lower alkanes comprising the steps of:
- a. contacting the one or more lower alkanes, an oxidizing agent, a strong mineral acid, and a catalyst comprising a Group VIII noble metal at esterification conditions to produce a lower alkyl oxy-ester of the acid in a molar amount greater than the molar amount of the Group VIII metal, and
- b. recovering the lower alkyl oxy-ester of the acid.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.