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Aldehyde intermediates in the homogeneous hydrogenation of carbon monoxide by ruthenium carbonyl/halide catalysts

Journal Article · · J. Catal.; (United States)

Hydrogenation of carbon monoxide by homogeneous catalysts consisting of a ruthenium carbonyl complex and halide salt was studied at relatively mild temperatures. In addition to ethylene glycol and methanol, formaldehyde and glycolaldehyde were found among the reaction products. These aldehydes act as key intermediates in the formation of ethylene glycol or methanol. Through kinetic studies it was concluded that while at relatively low temperatures the rate-determining step is the formation of formaldehyde, at higher temperatures formaldehyde exists in near equilibrium with CO/H/sub 2/. It was also found that glycolaldehyde was formed with an even higher selectivity when a rhodium complex was added to this catalyst system.

Research Organization:
Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
OSTI ID:
5456882
Journal Information:
J. Catal.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Catal.; (United States) Vol. 105:2; ISSN JCTLA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English