GB728602A - A process for the synthesis of hydrocarbons and oxygen-containing organic compounds - Google Patents

Abstract

Hydrocarbons and oxygenated compounds are prepared by contacting a mixture of carbon monoxide and water vapour in a ratio by volume of at least 2, preferably 2-3 : 1, at 150-350 DEG , preferably 180-280 DEG C. and 1-100 atmospheres, with a catalyst of which the main metallic constituent is iron, cobalt, nickel or ruthenium present to the extent of at least 50 per cent as a nitride. The metals, if in the form of oxides, may be reduced, preferably with hydrogen, and then reacted with ammonia, or hydrogen and ammonia may be used together avoiding the presence of carbon monoxide sufficient to form appreciable ammonium carbamate. Promoters which may be incorporated are alkali and alkaline earth compounds; difficultly reducible oxides such as thoria and ceria; alumina and chromia; compounds of Mn, V, B, Cu, Ni, Ag and Au. Carriers may also be used. The space velocity expressed as vols. of gas/vol./hr is preferably 9-14 times the synthesis pressure expressed in atmospheres. The water may be injected in the liquid state at one or more positions in the reactor and serves to dissipate the reaction heat. The catalyst may be used as a fixed bed, or a suspension in oil or in the gas stream. Multi-stage operation or recycling may be used. Carbon dioxide produced may be reduced to monoxide for re-use. Hydrogen may also be added to react with carbon monoxide. In an example, an alkalized Fe-Cu catalyst is treated with hydrogen at 400 DEG C. for 3 hours and then with ammonia at 300 DEG C. to form a catalyst which is 50 per cent nitride, formula Fe1.8N. A CO-H2O vapour mixture, ratio 3 : 1.25, is passed over this for 300 hours at 230 DEG C. and 10 atmospheres. Specification 707,972 is referred to.ALSO:A catalyst for synthesis of organic compounds from carbon monoxide and water vapour, with or without hydrogen, contains iron, cobalt, nickel or ruthenium as the main metallic constituent present to the extent of at least 50 per cent. as a nitride. The metals, if in oxide form, may be reduced, preferably with hydrogen, and then reacted with ammonia, or hydrogen and ammonia may be used together. Promoters which may be incorporated are alkali and alkaline earth compounds; difficulty reducible oxides such as thoria and ceria; alumina and chromia; compounds of Mn, V, B, Cu, Ni, Ag, and Au. Carriers may also be present. The catalyst may be used as a fixed bed or suspended in oil or the gas stream. In an example, an alkalized Fe-Cu catalyst is treated with hydrogen for 3 hrs. at 400 DEG C. and then with ammonia at 300 DEG C. to form a catalyst which is 50 per cent. nitride, formula Fe1,8N.