GB657526A - A process for the production of oxygen-containing organic compounds - Google Patents

Abstract

Oxygen-containing organic compounds are made by reacting olefinic hydrocarbons with a gaseous mixture containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a stationary hydroformylation catalyst, liquid product obtained being recycled in a cooled state to the reaction space, together with catalyst dissolved therein, in order to control the temperature. Catalysts specified are iron, chromium, molybdenum, tungsten and ruthenium and preferably cobalt on a carrier such as pumice stone. To make up for catalyst lost in the reaction, catalyst, e.g. cobalt fatty acid or naphthenic acid salts, carbonyls or complex compounds with the olefinic feed, is added to the olefinic feed. Catalyst recycled is maintained active by holding a temperature of 150-160 DEG C. in the reaction space, by passing the products with the gas through a zone at less than 150 DEG C., e.g. 50-130 DEG C., and by recycling, together with fresh gas, through a zone at 50-130 DEG C. Generally a quantity of 2-20 times, preferably 4 to 10 times, the amount of freshly-added olefinic hydrocarbons is used. Recycled product may be injected into the reaction space at different points in varying quantities and according to the particular method chosen the temperature of recycled feed may vary, temperatures of reaction indicated being about 120-180 DEG C. In an example a mixture, preheated to 100 DEG C., of water gas (containing 45 per cent by volume of CO and 55 per cent of H2) and a C5-C8 olefine containing fractions from the vapour phase cracking of paraffin wax is fed into the top of a reactor filled with 4 per cent cobalt or pumice, reaction is effected at 200 atmos. and 150 DEG C., 10 litres of olefine being fed per 5 normal c.cs. of water gas and the beneficial effect on temperature control illustrated by comparing results obtained with and without product recycling. Specification 647,363 is referred to.