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Direct synthesis of 2-methyl-1-propanol/methanol fuels and feedstocks: Technical progress report, September 1984--February 1985

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6185453

The present program of research stems from our recent discovery that cesium surface-doped methanol synthesis catalysts, based on copper-zinc oxide, are very effective in producing C/sub 2/-C/sub 7/ alcohols, in addition to methanol, with the dominant product being 2-methyl-1-propanol. The underlying mechanistic principle is that of base-catalyzed condensation of alcohol precursors with the C/sub 1/ aldehydic intermediate that is formed by CO hydrogenation over the Cu/ZnO of the catalyst. This base catalysis results in three types of reactions: (1) linear growth, (2) beta branching, and (3) coupling via oxygen to form small amounts of esters. These types of reactions are characterized as i/sub C-O/ (type i), ..beta../sub C/ (type ii), and ..cap alpha../sub O/ (type iii). We have demonstrated that conditions can be found over the Cs/Cu/ZnO catalyst under which ..beta../sub C/>i/sub CO/>>..cap alpha../sub O/. The extent research has progressed in the direct synthesis of 2-methyl-1-propanol/methanol mixtures is detailed in Attachment 1. In a search for the best composition and initial state and dispersion of the aluminum-containing component in alumina-based alcohol synthesis catalysts, where the alumina will aid the long term stability of the catalyst system, series of Cu/ZnO/Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ and Cs/Cu/ZnO/Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ are being prepared and characterized. In order to determine the role of preparation conditions on the formation of active, stable, and selective catalysts, the catalyst precursors formed during the coprecipitation process are being identified. Descriptions of the precursors and the methods used in their identification are given in Attachment 2. 1 tab.

Research Organization:
Lehigh Univ., Bethlehem, PA (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC22-84PC70021
OSTI ID:
6185453
Report Number(s):
DOE/PC/70021-1; ON: DE89008257
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English