SYNTHESIS OF METHYL METHACRYLATE FROM COAL-DERIVED SYNGAS
Research Triangle Institute (RTI), Eastman Chemical Company, and Bechtel collectively are developing a novel three-step process for the synthesis of methyl methacrylate (MMA) from coal-derived syngas that consists of the steps of synthesis of a propionate, its condensation with formaldehyde to form methacrylic acid (MAA), and esterification of MAA with methanol to produce MMA. The research team has completed the research on the three-step methanol-based route to MMA. Under an extension to the original contract, we are currently evaluating a new DME-based process for MMA. The key research need for DME route is to develop catalysts for DME partial oxidation reactions and DME condensation reactions. Over the last quarter(Oct.-Dec./98), we have investigated the condensation between methyl propionate and formaldehyde (MP/HCHO=4.5/1) at various reaction temperatures(280-360EC) over 5%, 10%, and 20% Nb O /SiO catalysts. The conversion of HCHO increases with reaction 2 5 2 temperature and niobium loading. MMA+MAA selectivity goes through a maximum with the temperature over both 10% and 20% Nb O /SiO . The selectivities to MMA+MAA are 67.2%, 2 5 2 72.3%and 58.1% at 320EC over 5%, 10%, 20% Nb O /SiO , respectively. However, the 2 5 2 conversion of formaldehyde decreases rapidly with time on stream. The results suggest that silica supported niobium catalysts are active and selective for condensation of MP with HCHO, but deactivation needs to be minimized for the consideration of commercial application. We have preliminarily investigated the partial oxidation of dimethyl ether(DME) over 5% Nb O /SiO catalyst. Reactant gas mixture of 0.1% DME, 0.1% O and balance nitrogen is 2 5 2 2 studied with temperature ranging from 200°C to 500°C. The conversion of DME first increases with temperature reaching an maximum at 400°C then decreases. The selectivity to HCHO also increases with reaction temperature first. But the selectivity to HCHO decreases at temperature above 350°C accompanied by the increasing selectivity to CO . The results suggest that silica 2 supported niobium catalysts are active for partial oxidation of DME to HCHO. Best temperatures for partial oxidation are between 300 and 400°C. A short paper submitted to the ACS National Meeting at Anaheim(March 1999) was accepted for oral presentation. The title is �Catalytic Synthesis of Methacrylates over Silica Supported Niobium Catalysts� and will appear in the ACS preprints.
- Research Organization:
- Federal Energy Technology Center (FETC), Morgantown, WV, and Pittsburgh, PA
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Fossil Energy (FE)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC22-94PC94065
- OSTI ID:
- 7681
- Report Number(s):
- DE-AC22-94PC94065-18; ON: DE00007681
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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SYNTHESIS OF METHYL METHACRYLATE FROM COAL-DERIVED SYNGAS
SYNTHESIS OF METHYL METHACRYLATE FROM COAL-DERIVED SYNGAS