Conversion of alcohols to carboxylic acids using heterogeneous palladium-based catalysts
AssigneeWisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
InventorsShannon S. Stahl, Adam B. Powell, Thatcher W. Root, David S. Mannel, Maaz S. Ahmed
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Disclosed are methods for synthesizing an ester or a carboxylic acid from an organic alcohol. To form the ester one reacts, in the presence of oxygen gas, the alcohol with methanol or ethanol. This reaction occurs in the presence of a catalyst comprising palladium and a co-catalyst comprising bismuth, tellurium, lead, cerium, titanium, zinc and/or niobium (most preferably at least bismuth and tellurium). Alternatively that catalyst can be used to generate an acid from that alcohol, when water is also added to the reaction mix.
Claims6
A method for synthesizing an acid from an alcohol, comprising:
- exposing a compound of the formula R—CH2—OH to oxygen gas and methanol-water mixture so as to yield a compound of the formula RCOOH;
- wherein said exposing is in the presence of a catalyst comprising palladium, bismuth and tellurium;
- wherein R is an alkyl, cyclic, amine, or ether, with or without sulfur or halogen content.
A method for synthesizing an acid from an alcohol, comprising:
- exposing a compound of the formula R—CH2—OH to oxygen gas and water so as to yield a compound of the formula RCOOH;
- wherein said exposing is in the presence of a catalyst comprising palladium and a co-catalyst comprising at least two of the following:
- bismuth, tellurium, lead, cerium, titanium, zinc and niobium;
- wherein R is an alkyl, cyclic, amine, ether, or ester, with or without sulfur or halogen content.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.