GB368935A - Improvements in the manufacture and production of aliphatic alcohols - Google Patents

Abstract

Aliphatic alcohols are obtained by the reacting olefines with steam in the vapour phase at temperatures not exceeding 350 DEG C. and in the presence of catalysts comprising metallic sulphates having an acid reaction. Suitable sulphates are acid sodium sulphate, acid potassium sulphate, and aluminium sulphate. The catalysts may be used either alone or in admixture with one another, or in conjunction with catalysts or promotors known to promote the reaction between olefines and organic acids. Carriers composed of materials not having an alkaline reaction may be employed. The reaction temperatures are preferably between 100 and 250 DEG C. Atmospheric pressure, or pressures up to 50 atmospheres or more may be employed. The mixtures of olefines and steam may be passed over the heated catalyst or forced through the catalysts when these are in a fluid condition. Examples are given, in which mixtures of ethylene and steam are passed over acid sodium sulphate or pumice at temperatures of 150 and 160 DEG C., with the production of ethyl alcohol, the unconverted ethylene being recirculated. When treating homolognes of ethylene such as propylene or butylene, the temperature and concentration of the acid sulphate on the carrier is progressively less, the greater the molecular weight of the olefine. The Provisional Specification mentions 500 DEG C. as an upper limit for the reaction temperatures, and the use of pressures up to 250 atmospheres.