Abstract: A process for producing alcohols from carbonaceous materials such as biomass. The carbonaceous material, such as biomass, is gasified to produce synthesis gas. The synthesis gas then is subjected to a plurality of reactions to produce alcohols having at least four carbon atoms such as butanol and isobutanol.

Abstract: A process for producing alcohols having three carbon atoms from carbonaceous materials such as biomass. The carbonaceous material, such as biomass, is gasified to produce synthesis gas. The synthesis gas then is subjected to a plurality of reactions to produce alcohols such as n-propanol and isopropanol.

Abstract: A membrane-integrated hydration reactor that is operable to produce an associated alcohol product from an olefin using water includes a solid acid olefin hydration catalyst in a production zone and a hydrophilic membrane operable to selectively permit pervaporation of water one-way and not permit pervaporation of the associated alcohol or permeation of the olefin at olefin hydration process conditions in a separations zone. The production zone is operable to form a production zone product mixture made of the associated alcohol and any unreacted water. The associated separations zone is operable to form and produce both the associated alcohol product and a pervaporated water product from the production zone product mixture. A method of olefin hydration for forming an associated alcohol product from an olefin using water uses the membrane-integrated hydration reactor at olefin hydration process conditions.

Abstract: An olefin hydration process and reactor are provided, wherein an integrated membrane selectively removes alcohol product from the reactor, thereby allowing for increased yields.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for coproducting iso-type reaction product and alcohol from olefin, and a method for coproducting using the apparatus, in which the hydroformylation reactor provides a sufficient reaction area due to the broad contact surface area between the olefin and the synthesis gases that are the raw materials by a distributor plate installed in the reactor, and the raw materials can be sufficiently mixed with the reaction mixture due to the circulation of the reaction mixture so that the efficiency of the production of the aldehyde is excellent; and also the hydrogenation reactor suppresses the side reaction so that the efficiency for producing aldehyde and alcohol are all increased, and also iso-type reaction product and alcohol can be efficiently co-produced.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for producing ethanol and 2-propanol from syngas, the method comprising: (a) converting syngas into methanol using a methanol-synthesis catalyst; (b) converting methanol into ethylene and propylene using a methanol-to-olefins catalyst; and (c) hydrating ethylene into ethanol and propylene into 2-propanol. As taught herein, the combined yield of the ethanol and the 2-propanol from biomass can be at least 100 gallons per dry ton biomass. In certain embodiments, the yield of ethanol is at least 100 gallons per dry ton biomass. In some embodiments, the yield of 2-propanol is at least 50 gallons per dry ton biomass.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide, for the production of isobutene, a high-yielding, highly-selective, and long-term stable production process of isobutene from TBA. With respect to the production of TBA, an object of the present invention is to provide a TBA production process in which, through long-term stable maintenance of a high reaction activity, long-term continuous operation is enabled and the productivity is improved. The present invention discloses a process for producing isobutene that employs a dehydration temperature of from 200 to 450° C. in use of an alumina catalyst that contains a Na content of 0.6% by weight or less in terms of NaO2 and a Na content of 0.4% by weight in terms of NaO2, and has a specific surface area of from 200 to 600 m2/g.

Abstract: Ethane is oxidized to ethylene and/or oxygenates that comprise acetic acid. The acetic acid may be converted to ethanol by hydrogenation. The ethylene may be converted to ethanol by hydration.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the synthesis of alcohol are described herein. The methods and systems include a method of hydrating an olefin that may include emulsifying an olefin gas in a water stream in a high shear device under high shear conditions to produce a dispersion; and contacting the dispersion with a catalyst to hydrate the olefin gas and form an alcohol.

Abstract: Processes for the production of an alcohol, esters and aliphatic hydrocarbons are provided. In one embodiment, a process for the production of an alcohol comprises: oligomerizing an olefin or a mixture of olefins having the structural formula Cn-2H2n-3—CH?CH2, wherein n is an integer from 4 to 22, in the presence of an oligomerization catalyst, so as to form a vinylidene containing olefin oligomer; hydroformylating the vinylidene containing olefin oligomer in the presence of a hydroformylation catalyst so as to form a hydroformylated olefin oligomer; and dimerizing the hydroformylated olefin oligomer by means of a Guerbet reaction so as to form the alcohol.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the synthesis of alcohol are described herein. The methods and systems include a method of hydrating an olefin that may include emulsifying an olefin gas in a water stream in a high shear device under high shear conditions to produce a dispersion; and contacting the dispersion with a catalyst to hydrate the olefin gas and form an alcohol.

Abstract: An olefin hydration process and reactor are provided, wherein an integrated membrane selectively removes alcohol product from the reactor, thereby allowing for increased yields.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for producing ethanol and 2-propanol from syngas, the method comprising: (a) converting syngas into methanol using a methanol-synthesis catalyst; (b) converting methanol into ethylene and propylene using a methanol-to-olefins catalyst; and (c) hydrating ethylene into ethanol and propylene into 2-propanol. As taught herein, the combined yield of the ethanol and the 2-propanol from biomass can be at least 100 gallons per dry ton biomass. In certain embodiments, the yield of ethanol is at least 100 gallons per dry ton biomass. In some embodiments, the yield of 2-propanol is at least 50 gallons per dry ton biomass.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for producing ethanol and 2-propanol from syngas, the method comprising: (a) converting syngas into methanol using a methanol-synthesis catalyst; (b) converting methanol into ethylene and propylene using a methanol-to-olefins catalyst; and (c) hydrating ethylene into ethanol and propylene into 2-propanol. As taught herein, the combined yield of the ethanol and the 2-propanol from biomass can be at least 100 gallons per dry ton biomass. In certain embodiments, the yield of ethanol is at least 100 gallons per dry ton biomass. In some embodiments, the yield of 2-propanol is at least 50 gallons per dry ton biomass.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for producing ethanol and 2-propanol from syngas, the method comprising: (a) converting syngas into methanol using a methanol-synthesis catalyst; (b) converting methanol into ethylene and propylene using a methanol-to-olefins catalyst; and (c) hydrating ethylene into ethanol and propylene into 2-propanol. As taught herein, the combined yield of the ethanol and the 2-propanol from biomass can be at least 100 gallons per dry ton biomass. In certain embodiments, the yield of ethanol is at least 100 gallons per dry ton biomass. In some embodiments, the yield of 2-propanol is at least 50 gallons per dry ton biomass.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the synthesis of alcohol are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and solubility of olefins in water. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce reaction time. In an embodiment, a method of making an alcohol comprises introducing an olefin into a water stream to form a gas-liquid stream. The method further comprises flowing the gas-liquid stream through a high shear device so as to form a dispersion with gas bubbles having a mean diameter less than about 1 micron. In addition, the method comprises contacting the gas-liquid stream with a catalyst in a reactor to hydrate the olefin gas and form an alcohol.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the synthesis of alcohol are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and solubility of olefins in water. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce reaction time. In an embodiment, a method of making an alcohol comprises introducing an olefin into a water stream to form a gas-liquid stream. The method further comprises flowing the gas-liquid stream through a high shear device so as to form a dispersion with gas bubbles having a mean diameter less than about 1 micron. In addition, the method comprises contacting the gas-liquid stream with a catalyst in a reactor to hydrate the olefin gas and form an alcohol.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the synthesis of alcohol are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and solubility of olefins in water. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce reaction time. In an embodiment, a method of making an alcohol comprises introducing an olefin into a water stream to form a gas-liquid stream. The method further comprises flowing the gas-liquid stream through a high shear device so as to form a dispersion with gas bubbles having a mean diameter less than about 1 micron. In addition, the method comprises contacting the gas-liquid stream with a catalyst in a reactor to hydrate the olefin gas and form an alcohol.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the synthesis of alcohol are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and solubility of olefins in water. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce reaction time. In an embodiment, a method of making an alcohol comprises introducing an olefin into a water stream to form a gas-liquid stream. The method further comprises flowing the gas-liquid stream through a high shear device so as to form a dispersion with gas bubbles having a mean diameter less than about 1 micron. In addition, the method comprises contacting the gas-liquid stream with a catalyst in a reactor to hydrate the olefin gas and form an alcohol.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide, for the production of isobutene, a high-yielding, highly-selective, and long-term stable production process of isobutene from TBA. With respect to the production of TBA, an object of the present invention is to provide a TBA production process in which, through long-term stable maintenance of a high reaction activity, long-term continuous operation is enabled and the productivity is improved. The present invention discloses a process for producing isobutene that employs a dehydration temperature of from 200 to 450° C. in use of an alumina catalyst that contains a Na content of 0.6% by weight or less in terms of NaO2 and a Na content of 0.4% by weight in terms of NaO2, and has a specific surface area of from 200 to 600 m2/g.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the synthesis of alcohol are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and solubility of olefins in water. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce reaction time. In an embodiment, a method of making an alcohol comprises introducing an olefin into a water stream to form a gas-liquid stream. The method further comprises flowing the gas-liquid stream through a high shear device so as to form a dispersion with gas bubbles having a mean diameter less than about 1 micron. In addition, the method comprises contacting the gas-liquid stream with a catalyst in a reactor to hydrate the olefin gas and form an alcohol.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the synthesis of alcohol are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and solubility of olefins in water. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce reaction time. In an embodiment, a method of making an alcohol comprises introducing an olefin into a water stream to form a gas-liquid stream. The method further comprises flowing the gas-liquid stream through a high shear device so as to form a dispersion with gas bubbles having a mean diameter less than about 1 micron. In addition, the method comprises contacting the gas-liquid stream with a catalyst in a reactor to hydrate the olefin gas and form an alcohol.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to the production of alcohols. A first aspect of the invention relates to a process for production of alcohols, and in particular to a process for the catalytic hydration of an olefin to the corresponding alcohol in substantially anhydrous form, under selected mild reaction conditions, and using a selected catalyst. A second aspect of the invention relates to a process for dehydration of an azeotropic mixture, including a first alcohol and water. A hydration reaction between the water in the azeotropic mixture and an added olefin, under selected mild conditions, and using a selected catalyst, produces a product including a second alcohol corresponding to the olefin, and the first alcohol, in substantially anhydrous form.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing tert-butanol by reaction of a homogeneous mixture comprising water, tert-butanol and an isobutene-containing hydrocarbon mixture over an acidic ion-exchange resin at from 30 to 120° C., wherein the homogeneous mixture contains, at a proportion by mass of isobutene of above 10%, from 30 to 80% of the maximum amount of water made possible by the solubility of water in the mixture of tert-butanol and the isobutene-containing hydrocarbon mixture.

Abstract: Discloses a process for efficiently producing a hydroxyl group containing compound with a simple apparatus and simple procedures using a very small amount of a catalyst, which process reduces a catalyst recovering step and a catalyst neutralization step vastly and does not require catalyst regeneration and catalyst exchange. The process for producing a hydroxyl group containing compound comprises allowing an aqueous solution containing 1 ppb to 500 ppm of an acid catalyst to react with an aliphatic double bond having compound in a molar ratio (water/aliphatic double bond having compound) of water to aliphatic double bond having compound of from 1 to 50, at a reaction temperature of from 200 to 600° C. under a reaction pressure of from 1 to 100 MPa and thereby conducting hydration reaction of the aliphatic double bond containing compound with water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing tert-butanol (TBA) from isobutene-containing mixtures, in which at least part of the conversion is achieved with the aid of a reactive rectification.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing tert-butanol (TBA) by reacting isobutene-containing hydrocarbon mixtures with water over acidic solid catalysts in a plurality of reactors, wherein the conversion is increased upstream of the last reactor by removing a portion of the TBA present in the reaction mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing tert-butanol (TBA) by reacting an isobutene-containing hydrocarbon mixture with water over a solid acid catalyst in a reactor cascade, wherein at least one reactor is supplied alternately with two different isobutene-containing hydrocarbon mixtures, of which one has both a higher tert-butanol content and a higher water content than the other mixture.

Abstract: A catalyst support consisting mainly of synthetic silica, with 0.5-10 parts by weight of one or more oxides or phosphates of the elements of group IIA, IIIB, IVB, VB, VIB, VIIB, VIII, IB, IIB, IIIA, IVA and the lanthanides, wherein the support preparation method comprises mixing particulate synthetic silica with particulate oxides or phosphates of the elements of Groups IIA, IIIB, IVB, VB, VIB, VIIB, VIII, IB, IIB, IIIA, IVA and the lanthanides, or with precursors thereof, a forming step and calcinations. The catalyst support is used together with phosphoric acid in the production of alcohols from olefins by hydration.

Abstract: Tertiary alcohols can be prepared by the hydration of tertiary olefins having the same number of carbon atoms on an acidic ion exchanger using special structured multi-purpose packings for heterogeneous reactive rectification. An excellent yield and purity of the alcohol and an extended service life of the catalyst are achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of isopropyl alcohol from di-isopropyl ether by catalytic distillation. The process solves, in particular, problems associated with the Sulfuric Acid Process.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to the production of alcohols. A first aspect of the invention relates to a process for production of alcohols, and in particular to a process for the catalytic hydration of an olefin to the corresponding alcohol in substantially anhydrous form, under selected mild reaction conditions, and using a selected catalyst. A second aspect of the invention relates to a process for dehydration of an azeotropic mixture, including a first alcohol and water. A hydration reaction between the water in the azeotropic mixture and an added olefin, under selected mild conditions, and using a selected catalyst, produces a product including a second alcohol corresponding to the olefin, and the first alcohol, in substantially anhydrous form.

Abstract: A catalyst support consisting mainly of synthetic silica, with 0.5-10 parts by weight of one or more oxides or phosphates of the elements of group IIA, IIIB, IVB, VB, VIB, VIIB, VIII, IB, IIB, IIIA, IVA and the lanthanides characterised in that the support preparation method comprises mixing particulate synthetic silica with particulate oxides or phosphates of the elements of Groups IIA, IIIB, IVB, VB, VIB, VIIB, VIII, IB, IIB, IIIA, IVA and the lanthanides, or with precursors thereof, a forming step and calcination. The catalyst support is used together with phosphoric acid in the production of alcohols from olefins by hydration.

Abstract: Moldings are disclosed for use as a catalyst or catalyst support for hydrating olefin, such as ethylene and propylene. The moldings are based on a pyrogenically produced mixed oxide having the following physicochemical parameters: External diameter 0.8-25 mm BET surface area 5-400 m2/g Pore volume 0.2-1.8 ml/g Fracture strength 5 to 350 N Composition At least two materials selected from the group of SiO2, Al2O3, TiO2 and ZrO2 in any desired combination, with the proviso that when the combination is a SiO2/Al2O3 mixed oxide, at least 75 wt. % of SiO2 is present based on the total weight of the mixed oxide. Other constituents <1 wt. % Bulk density 250-1500 g/l.

Abstract: Alpha-olefins are dimerized to form branched-chain feedstocks for detersive surfactants.

Abstract: This invention relats to a continuous process for the hydration of olefins with water in the vapour phase to the corresponding alcohol in the presence of a heteropolyacid salt as catalyst said process including the recycle of un-reacted olefin back to the hydration reaction characterised in that the heteropolyacid salt is a metal salt of silicotungstic acid or phosphotungstic acid which is soluble in a polar solvent below 40.degree. C. wherein the metal in the salt is an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal.

Abstract: A process for the catalytic addition of nucleophilic agents to alkynes or allenes to form alkenes substituted by the nucleophile which may further react with the nucleophile and/or isomerize comprises using a catalyst comprising a wholly or partly ionized complex of univalent gold.

Abstract: A phosphoric acid catalyst on a shaped, inorganic support and its use for the hydration of olefins. At least 90 wt. % of the catalyst support consists of titanium dioxide and/or zirconium dioxide and has outstanding ageing stability under the hydrothermal conditions existing during hydration processes.

Abstract: An ethene stream which contains ethane as an impurity or a propene stream which contains propane as an impurity is hydrated with water vapor in the presence of a hydration catalyst to produce ethanol or isopropanol, respectively. After removal of the alcohol the gaseous product stream is subjected to adsorption, thereby producing an ethene-enriched stream or a propene-enriched stream. The ethene-enriched stream or the propene-enriched stream is recycled to the hydration reactor.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon conversion process which utilizes a solid phosphoric acid catalyst having a total X-ray intensity of at least 40 percent relative to alpha-alumina. The solid phosphoric acid catalyst is produced by crystallizing an amorphous mixture of an acid oxide of phosphorus and a siliceous material at a temperature of from 350.degree. to 450.degree. C. and in the presence of from 10 to 50 mole percent water vapor based upon the total vapor rate to the crystallizing means. Embodiments of the new hydrocarbon conversion process include alkylation, oligomerization, and hydration, of hydrocarbons and oxygenated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A catalytic composition useful for producing amides and primary alcohols from nitriles and alkenes respectively, comprising in the first instance water, a suitable nucleophile, and MHCl[P(R).sub.3 ].sub.2 wherein M is platinum, palladium, or nickel, and R is CH.sub.3, CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2, or i-Pr and in the second instance comprising the same reagents but limited to R being CH.sub.3. The addition of a phase-transfer catalyst facilitates both reactions where the aqueous solubility of the nitriles or alkenes is limiting in the reaction.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of isopropanol and tertiary butyl alcohol from C.sub.3 and C.sub.4 hydrocarbons. The preferred embodiment of the invention comprises dehydrogenation of paraffins and direct hydration of the resulting olefins. Fractional distillation steps are employed between the dehydrogenation and dehydration zones and in the recycle stream to recover unconverted hydrocarbons leaving the hydration zone. This accommodates different hydration rates and prevents the passage of propylene into the dehydrogenation zone. In an alternative embodiment, the feed stream comprises olefins and is fed to the fractionation system. The dehydrogenation zone may be deleted from this embodiment.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon conversion process is disclosed for the production of lower alcohols and LPG from a mixture of C.sub.3 -minus paraffins and olefins. The feed stream is passed into a hydration zone wherein portions of the ethylene and propylene are converted to ethanol and propanol. The hydrocarbons which are not hydrated are passed into a hydrogenation zone wherein the remaining olefins are converted to paraffins. The feed stream is preferably a hydrogen-containing C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 cut separated from the effluent of a fluidized catalytic cracking unit.

Abstract: A process for producing and recovering a C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 alcohol, which comprises contacting water and a C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 olefin with a hydration catalyst comprising an acidic ion exchange resin in a reaction zone under reaction conditions, said reaction zone containing multiple water quench points and multiple olefin injection points, and counter-currently contacting the reaction product with a solvent to extract the C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 alcohols therefrom.

Abstract: Olefins containing from 2 to about 6 carbon atoms may be directly hydrated by treatment with water in the presence of a catalyst comprising an alpha-zirconium phosphate. The use of this catalyst which possesses desirable thermal stability characteristics will enable the reaction to be effected at higher operating conditions than is possible when utilizing other catalysts.

Abstract: A low temperature, low pressure process for the production of alcohol by the hydration of olefins. The olefin is contacted with a sulfonated ion-exchange resin in the presence of water and glycol diethyl solvent to hydrate said olefin, preferably propylene, and form from the olefin the corresponding aliphatic, monohydric alcohol. The solvent, a key and novel feature of the invention, at reaction conditions forms two liquid phases, a glycol diether phase and a water phase. The alcohol forms predominanty in the glycol diether phase and to a lesser extent in the water phase, with the products, inclusive of by product either, being distributed between the two phases. The glycol diethyl phase effectively displaces the equilibrium toward higher alcohol production, and the ether by product suppresses the equilibrium and minimizes formation of the ether product.

Abstract: Secondary alcohols are produced by the hydration of a n-olefin substantially free from an isoolefin in the presence as catalyst of an acidic cation exchange resin such as a sulfonated styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer and in the presence of an oxy acid or lactone thereof such as .gamma.-valerolactone. The process is especially useful for hydrating a n-butene feed or a feed consisting essentially of n-butenes and butane to produce secondary butyl alcohol.

Abstract: Lower alcohols are prepared by hydrating the corresponding olefin in an aqueous solution containing a chromium compound, phosphoric acid and heteropolyacid. Phosphoric acid has a high catalytic activity for the hydration of lower olefins, but causes a remarkable corrosion to an apparatus material under the state of an aqueous solution. The catalytic composition consisting of phosphoric acid and heteropolyacid is improved in activity and stability. Owing to the coexistence of heteropolyacid an acid degree is raised, nevertheless the corrosion of apparatus materials is not increased. As an anti-corrosive a chromium compound is incorporated into the aqueous solution containing the catalytic composition of phosphoric acid and heteropolyacid.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of preparing alcohols having 2 to 4 carbon atoms by catalytic hydration of the corresponding olefins on acid catalysts at elevated temperature and elevated pressure, characterized in that byproducts of the hydration, namely corresponding ethers and/or low-polymerized hydrocarbons and/or undesired alcohols, which form upon the passage of the input product through catalyst bed, are fed to the input product before entry into the reactor, said method being characterized in that:A. When ethylene is the olefin, the reaction is conducted at a temperature of 200.degree.-300.degree. C.; andB: When propylene is the olefin the reaction is conducted at a temperature of 150.degree. to 220.degree. C.

Abstract: Olefinic hydrocarbons may be hydrated to form corresponding alcohols by treating said olefins with water in the presence of an acidic compound which acts as a catalyst, said hydration reaction being effected at a temperature in the range of from about 100.degree. to about 300.degree. C. and a pressure in the range of from about 1 to about 100 atmospheres. In addition, the reaction medium also contains a salt of a metal selected from the group consisting of magnesium, barium, beryllium and radium, said metal salts suppressing the corrosive nature of the acid catalyst and thus permitting the reaction to be effected in normal metal reactors.