Patent GB-637389-A (GB)
Title: Oxo synthesis process
IPC: C07C27/22
Filed: 1947-05-29
Abstract: Oxygenated products comprising alcohols are obtained by passing olefins, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen through two zones in series, in the first of which they contact a supported cobalt, nickel or iron catalyst under conditions yielding oxygenated products which flow together with entrained carbonyl of the catalyst metal to the second zone containing a like catalyst where they are treated with hydrogen under conditions to decompose the carbonyl with deposition of metal, the flow being periodically reversed when the catalyst in the first zone is depleted to a predetermined amount, and conditions adjusted so that oxygenated products are made in the second zone and entrained carbonyl decomposed in the first zone.  Catalyst losses may be compensated for by introducing metal carbonyl or fatty acid salt into the olefin feed.  A feed of C2-C18 olefins and a synthesis gas of 44 per cent CO, 55 per cent H2 pass upwards through a cobalt catalyst at 250-400 DEG  F. and 100-300 atmos.  The products are separated and the liquid passed with hydrogen through a second cobalt catalyst, gases being recycled, if desired, to the first catalytic zone. Products of the second zone are again separated, liquid being worked up and gases recycled.  Reversal of flow is effected as stated above. A secondary hydrogenation zone may be provided wherein products from the second zone, free from cobalt but still containing aldehydes, are further treated to yield alcohols, any hydrogenation catalyst such as nickel, tungsten or Groups 6 and 8 metal sulphides being employed. The Specification as open to inspection under Sect. 91 comprises operation with a single reactor, the aldehyde product being collected, and hydrogenated in a second step while the feed of olefin and synthesis gas is discontinued.  This subject-matter does not appear in the Specification as accepted.ALSO:Oxygenated products comprising alcohols are obtained by passing olefins, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen through two zones in series, in the first of which they contact a supported cobalt, nickel or iron catalyst under conditions yielding oxygenated products which flow together with entrained carbonyl of the catalyst metal to the second zone containing a like catalyst where they are treated with hydrogen under conditions to decompose the carbonyl with deposition of metal, the flow being periodically reversed when the catalyst in the first zone is depleted to a predetermined amount, and conditions adjusted so that oxygenated products are made in the second zone and entrained carbonyl decomposed in the first zone.  Catalyst losses may be compensated for by introducing metal carbonyl or fatty acid salt into the olefin feed.  A feed of C2-C18 olefins and a synthesis gas of 44 per cent CO, 55 per cent H2 pass upwards through a cobalt catalyst at 250-400 DEG  F. and 100-300 atmos.  The products are separated and the liquid passed with hydrogen through a second cobalt catalyst, gases being recycled, if desired, to the first catalytic zone.  Products of the second zone are again separated, liquids being worked up and gases recycled.  Reversal of flow is effected as stated above.  A secondary hydrogenation zone may be provided wherein products from the second zone, free from cobalt but still containing aldehydes, are further treated to yield alcohols, any hydrogenation catalyst such as nickel, tungsten or Groups 6 and 8 metal sulphides being employed.  The Specification as open to inspection under Sect. 91 comprises operating with a single reactor, the aldehyde product being collected, and hydrogenated in a second step while the feed of olefin and synthesis gas is discontinued.  This subject-matter does not appear in the Specification as accepted.