Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Synthesis of Methyl Methacrylate From Coal-Derived Syngas

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/2021· OSTI ID:2021
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. RTI has completed the research on the three-step methanol-based route to MMA. Under an extension to the original contract, RTI is 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(April-June, 1998), RTI has modified the reactor system including a new preheater and new temperature settings for the preheater. Continuous condensation of formaldehyde with propionic acid were carried out over 10% Nb O /SiO at 300°C without 2 5 2 interruption. Five activity and four regeneration cycles have been completed without plugging or material balance problems. The results show that 10% Nb O /SiO deactivates slowly with time 2 5 2 but can be regenerated, at least four times, to 100% of its original activity with 2% O in nitrogen 2 at 400°C. The cycles continue with consistent 90-95% of carbon balance. The reaction is scheduled to complete with 6 activity cycles and 5 regenerations. Used catalysts will be analyzed with TGA and XPS to determine bulk and surface coke content and coke properties. RTI will start the investigation of effects of propionic acid/formaldehyde ratio on reaction activity and product selectivity over 20% Nb O /SiO catalysts.
Research Organization:
Federal Energy Technology Center, Morgantown, WV, and Pittsburgh, PA
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC22-94PC94065
OSTI ID:
2021
Report Number(s):
DE-AC22-94PC94065--16; ON: DE00002021
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

Similar Records

SYNTHESIS OF METHYL METHACRYLATE FROM COAL-DERIVED SYNGAS
Technical Report · Tue Oct 20 00:00:00 EDT 1998 · OSTI ID:7702

SYNTHESIS OF METHYL METHACRYLATE FROM COAL-DERIVED SYNGAS
Technical Report · Mon Jul 19 00:00:00 EDT 1999 · OSTI ID:780895

SYNTHESIS OF METHYL METHACRYLATE FROM COAL-DERIVED SYNGAS
Technical Report · Wed Apr 21 00:00:00 EDT 1999 · OSTI ID:775034