Abstract: Processes for converting methane into methanol are disclosed in which methane, water, and a supported chromium (VI) catalyst are contacted with a light beam at a wavelength in the UV-visible spectrum in an oxidizing atmosphere in a single reactor to form a reaction product comprising methanol, followed by discharging a reactor effluent containing the reaction product from the single reactor, and then separating methanol from the reaction product. Processes to produce methanol using additional reactors also are described, as well as related methanol production systems.

Abstract: Processes for converting a hydrocarbon reactant into an alcohol compound and/or a carbonyl compound are disclosed, and these processes include the steps of forming a supported chromium catalyst comprising chromium in a hexavalent oxidation state, irradiating the hydrocarbon reactant and the supported chromium catalyst with a light beam at a wavelength in the UV-visible spectrum to reduce at least a portion of the supported chromium catalyst to form a reduced chromium catalyst, and hydrolyzing the reduced chromium catalyst to form a reaction product comprising the alcohol compound and/or the carbonyl compound. The supported chromium catalyst can be formed by heat treating a supported chromium precursor, contacting a chromium precursor with a solid support while heat treating, or heat treating a solid support and then contacting a chromium precursor with the solid support.

Abstract: Systems for the catalytic activation and/or dehydrogenation of a paraffin feed stream that is enriched in C5 alkanes to produce olefins that are then hydrated in the presence of water to produce C5 alcohols. Optionally, paraffin isomers are separated and the n-paraffins isomerized prior to catalytic activation and/or dehydrogenation.

Abstract: A confined porphyrin Co(II), which is prepared by the following method: Equimolar amounts of aromatic aldehyde and pyrrole are condensed under acidic conditions to synthesize phenyl porphyrin compounds; the phenyl porphyrin compounds are metallized in a chloroform-methanol solution to obtain porphyrin Cu(II), which is brominated and demetallized to obtain confined porphyrin; the confined porphyrin is stirred and refluxed in a methanol solution for 12.0-24.0 h to obtain confined porphyrin Co(II). Its application is as follows: The confined porphyrin Co(II) is dissolved in cycloalkanes; the reaction system is sealed, and heated to 100 to 130° C. with stirring, to which oxygen is introduced to 0.2 to 3.0 MPa; the reaction is carried out for 3.0 to 24.0 h with stirring with the set temperature and oxygen pressure being maintained; and then the reaction solution is subjected to post-treatment to obtain the products.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved process for the conversion of alkanes to alkenes in the presence of a recyclable mixed oxide and perovskite catalysts with high yield.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of producing methanol includes reacting a heated hydrocarbon-containing gas and an oxygen-containing gas in a reactor; to provide a product stream comprising methanol; and transferring heat from the product stream to the hydrocarbon-containing gas to heat the hydrocarbon containing gas. After removing methanol and CO2 from the product stream, unprocessed hydrocarbons are mixed with the hydrocarbon containing gas fro reprocessing through the reactor.

Abstract: A method for forming a blend of ethers from a blend of alcohols includes a step of reacting a hydrocarbon-containing gas with an oxygen-containing gas to form first product blend. The first product blend includes a blend of partially oxygenated compounds. The blend of partially oxygenated compounds is provided to a reactive distillation station where it is converted a second product blend. The second product blend typically includes a mixture of ethers. An apparatus implementing the method is also provided.

Abstract: A system and a method for forming oxygenates from a non-catalytic reaction. A hydrocarbon gas and an oxygen-containing gas are fed into a mixer and then heated to form a reactant gas stream. The reactant gas stream is fed into a fluidized bed reactor where the reaction of the gases occurs by oxidization to produce oxygenates. The oxygenate products are then removed from the reactor.

Abstract: A method of making alcohols involves forming of alcohol esters from liquid alkane halides and a solution of metallic salts of organic acids to produce gaseous alcohol esters for reaction with magnesium or metal hydroxides to form the alcohol and the metal salt of the organic acids. In an improvement method liquid phase alcohol esters instead of gaseous alcohol esters are produced from liquid alkane halides and a solution of metal salts of organic acids whose alkane esters are less soluble in water than that of the alkane halide and treating of the alcohol ester formed with magnesium or metal hydroxides to form the alcohol and the metal salt of the organic acids.

Abstract: This invention relates to molecular catalysts and chemical reactions utilizing the same, and particularly to molecular catalysts for efficient catalytic oxidation of hydrocarbons, such as hydrocarbons from natural gas. The molecular catalytic platform provided herein is capable of the facile oxidation of hydrocarbons, for example, under ambient conditions such as near room temperature and atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A method of making alcohols involves forming of alcohol esters from liquid alkane halides and a solution of metallic salts of organic acids to produce gaseous alcohol esters for reaction with magnesium or metal hydroxides to form the alcohol and the metal salt of the organic acids. In an improvement method liquid phase alcohol esters instead of gaseous alcohol esters are produced from liquid alkane halides and a solution of metal salts of organic acids whose alkane esters are less soluble in water than that of the alkane halide and treating of the alcohol ester formed with magnesium or metal hydroxides to form the alcohol and the metal salt of the organic acids.

Abstract: A method for removing formaldehyde from a blend of partially oxygenated hydrocarbons is provided. The method including a step of reacting a hydrocarbon-containing gas with an oxygen-containing gas in a reaction vessel to form first product blend. The first product blend includes a blend of partially oxygenated compounds that include formaldehyde. The blend of partially oxygenated compounds is provided to a reactive scrubbing station where it is contacted with a reactive scrubbing liquid to form a reactive liquid-formaldehyde compound. The reactive liquid-formaldehyde compound is then removed from the first blend of partially reactive compounds.

Abstract: Method for producing synthesis gas for methanol production The present invention relates to a method for producing synthesis gas from a hydrocarbon containing feed, which synthesis gas is particularly suitable for subsequent use in methanol production. In this method, a hydrocarbon containing feed, particularly natural gas (100), is subjected to catalytic partial oxidation (CPO) (2), followed by the water gas shift (WGS) (4) reaction of a part of the reformed feed. At least part of the shifted feed is then subjected to hydrogen purification, preferably by pressure swing adsorption (PSA) (5) to obtain pure hydrogen (108), which hydrogen is subsequently combined with the remaining parts of the feeds to yield synthesis gas particularly suitable for methanol synthesis. The recombined stream preferably has an R ratio, being the molar ratio (H2—CO2)/(CO+CO2), in the range 1.9-2.2 and preferably about 2.

Abstract: A Plasma Arc Reformer for creating a useful fuel, such as Methanol, using any of Methane, Municipal Solid Waste, farm or forest waste, coal orchar rock from oil shale production, petrochemical hydrocarbons, (any carbon containing charge), water, and/or Municipal Sewage, as the source material. A High temperature Plasma Arc de-polymerizes the source material into atoms which, upon partial cooling, creates a gas stream rich in CO and H2 (syngas). Subsequent molecular filter and catalyst stages in the system remove contaminants and produce the output fuel. The system is closed loop with regard to the syngas production in that it recycles the residual unconverted gas and even the exhaust gases if desired. The large amount of heat produced is captured and converted to electric power using a supercritical CO2 Rankin cycle resulting in potentially high efficiencies.

Abstract: Process for the co-production of methanol and ammonia from a hydrocarbon feed without venting to the atmosphere carbon dioxide captured from the methanol or ammonia synthesis gas and without using expensive air separation units, water gas shift and acid gas wash for removal of carbon.

Abstract: Catalytic structures are provided comprising octahedral tunnel lattice manganese oxides ion-exchanged with metal cations or mixtures thereof. The structures are useful as catalysts for the oxidation of alkanes and may be prepared by treating layered manganese oxide under highly acidic conditions, optionally drying the treated product, and subjecting it to ion exchange.

Abstract: Methanol is produced as a storable and transportable carbon-based energy carrier using at least two different methods. To produce a first methanol portion, water is electrolyzed, preferably using energy from renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power, to produce hydrogen. The hydrogen is then reacted with carbon dioxide to produce the first methanol portion. To produce a second methanol portion, methane is reacted with oxygen. A controller can advantageously be used to control the amount of chemicals in each reaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to selective partial oxidation of methane in the absence of a solvent such as sulfuric acid or oleum.

Abstract: A method comprising reacting an alkane gas with a halogen gas in a halogenations reactor to form a halogenation reaction product mixture comprising alkane halide and hydrogen halide mixture; mixing the halogenations reaction product mixture with a countercurrent flow of a metal organic salt thereby forming an extractor product mixture of a metal halide, organic salt, and organic acid separating the organic ester and organic acid mixture from the metal halide; oxygenating the metal halide to form a metal oxide and halide containing gasses; separating the metal oxide from the halide containing gasses; mixing the metal oxide with water to form a metal oxide slurry; mixing the metal oxide slurry with a countercurrent flow of the organic ester and organic acid mixture to form a raw product comprising alkanol, a metal organic salt is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for converting methane to methanol, comprising: feeding methane and gaseous air or oxygen or gaseous air enriched with oxygen to a reactor under an elevated pressure; said reactor having an internal surface, made of silica or coated with silica, surrounding a zone in which said gases react; and reacting said gases in said reaction zone at an elevated temperature at conditions effective to produce methanol and for valuable oxygenates. Advantageously the internal surface is made of quartz or coated with quartz Advantageously the internal surface, made of silica (advantageously quartz) or coated with silica (advantageously quartz), is treated with HF before the conversion of methane to methanol. Advantageously the reaction is carried out in the absence in said reaction zone of any added material which measurably affects the rate of the reaction or the yield of the product. Advantageously the reactor is operated under a pressure from 1 to 7.5 MPa.

Abstract: A process for the production of methanol comprises feeding a hydrocarbon feedstock to a partial oxidation reactor to produce a synthesis gas comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide; subjecting the synthesis gas to methanol synthesis to produce a methanol product stream and a tail gas stream; separating the tail gas stream into at least two streams comprising a purge stream and a recycle stream, the recycle stream comprising a substantial portion of the tail gas stream; and, recycling the recycle stream to the partial oxidation reactor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for recovering a natural gas contaminated with high levels of carbon dioxide. A gas containing methane and carbon dioxide is extracted from a reservoir containing natural gas, where carbon dioxide comprises greater than 40 vol. % of the extracted gas. The extracted gas is scrubbed with a wash effective to produce a washed extracted gas containing less carbon dioxide than the extracted gas and at least 20 vol. % carbon dioxide. The washed extracted gas is oxidized with an oxygen containing gas in the presence of a partial oxidation catalyst to produce an oxidation product gas containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. The oxidation product gas is then utilized to produce a liquid methanol product.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods and processes for selectively converting hydrocarbons such as methane to materials such as alcohols or other materials containing more reactive functionalities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for preparing high molecular weight aliphatic primary alcohol using hydroboration reactions.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods and processes for selectively converting hydrocarbons such as methane to materials such as alcohols or other materials containing more reactive functionalities.

Abstract: A process for the oxidation of hydrocarbons comprises contacting the hydrocarbon with an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a catalyst comprising a microporous solid support, preferably a zeolite, having from 8- to 12-ring open windows and comprising non-framework metal cations selected from manganese, iron, cobalt, vanadium, chromium, copper, nickel, and ruthenium, and mixtures thereof, providing that the oxygen-containing gas does not contain significant amounts of added hydrogen. The catalyst is novel and forms part of the invention. The process may be used for oxidation of alkanes, cycloalkanes, benzene and alkylbenzenes, and is suitable for use in regioselective terminal oxidation of straight chain alkanes and for selective oxidation/separation of p-dialkylbenzenes from an alkylbenzene mixture, for example, p-xylene from an isomeric mixture of xylenes.

Abstract: Process for the conversion of hydrocarbons to ethanol and optionally acetic acid by converting hydrocarbon in a syngas reactor into a stream A comprising a mixture of carbon oxide(s) and hydrogen preferably having a H2/CO molar ratio between 1.5 and 2.5, converting at least part of stream A in the presence of a particulate catalyst in a reactor under a temperature between 150 and 400° C. and a pressure of 5 to 200 bar, into a C2-oxygenates stream B, where stream B includes water, alkanes, ethanol, acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate and acetic acid, which together represent least 80% by weight of the products obtained from the C2-oxygenates conversion reactor. The C2-oxygenates stream B is separated into a stream C comprising H2, CO, CO2 and alkanes, and a stream D including 15 to 40 wt % of acetic acid, 10 to 40 wt % of acetaldehyde and 15 to 40 wt % of ethanol.

Abstract: Improvements in previously disclosed methods of and apparatuses for converting alkanes, alkenes, and aromatics to olefins, alcohols, ethers, and aldehydes includes: safety improvements, use of alternative feedstocks, process simplification, improvements to the halogenation step, improvements to the reproportionation step, improvements to the solid oxide reaction, improvements to solid oxide regeneration, improvements in separations, maintenance, start-up, shut-down, and materials of construction.

Abstract: A process for the production of methanol comprises feeding an amount of a hydrocarbon feedstock and an amount of an oxygen feedstock to a partial oxidation reactor to produce a partial oxidation reactor effluent comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide; adding an amount of a hydrogen feedstock to the partial oxidation reactor effluent to produce a synthesis gas stream having a predetermined ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide; and, subjecting the synthesis gas stream to methanol synthesis to produce a methanol product stream and a tail gas stream wherein reformation is not used to provide hydrogen as a product. Reformation may be used to consume hydrogen so that carbon dioxide preferably obtained as a by product of another process so that the instant process becomes effectively a temporary carbon sink to convert carbon dioxide, which would otherwise be released to the atmosphere, to a stored carbon source.

Abstract: A method for alkyl oxygenate (e.g., methanol) manufacture via partial oxidation of alkane (methane) uses an injectively-mixed backmixing reaction chamber in fluid communication with a tubular-flow reactor. Alkyl free radicals are induced in the backmixing reaction chamber prior to being fed through a flow-restriction baffle to the tubular-flow reactor. Injective intermixing of feed streams agitates the backmixing reaction chamber. In one embodiment, a variable position flow restriction baffle is axially moved to commensurately modify the backmixing reaction chamber and tubular-flow reactor volumes. In another embodiment, the tubular-flow reactor is quenched with a variable position quenching input. The method further provides for condensing the output stream from the reaction system in a condensing scrubber and also for recycling a portion of the scrubbed output stream to the reactor system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of butenes and derivatives thereof from dry ethanol, optionally obtained from a fermentation broth. The butenes thus produced find use as intermediates for the production of polyethylenes and other materials.

Abstract: A method for alkyl oxygenate (e.g., methanol) manufacture via partial oxidation of alkane (methane) uses an injectively-mixed backmixing reaction chamber in fluid communication with a tubular-flow reactor. Alkyl free radicals are induced in the backmixing reaction chamber prior to being fed through a flow-restriction baffle to the tubular-flow reactor. Injective intermixing of feed streams agitates the backmixing reaction chamber. In one embodiment, a variable position flow restriction baffle is axially moved to commensurately modify the backmixing reaction chamber and tubular-flow reactor volumes. In another embodiment, the tubular-flow reactor is quenched with a variable position quenching input. The method further provides for condensing the output stream from the reaction system in a condensing scrubber and also for recycling a portion of the scrubbed output stream to the reactor system.

Abstract: A method for alkyl oxygenate (e.g., methanol) manufacture via partial oxidation of alkane (methane) uses an injectively-mixed backmixing reaction chamber in fluid communication with a tubular-flow reactor. Alkyl free radicals are induced in the backmixing reaction chamber prior to being fed through a flow-restriction baffle to the tubular-flow reactor. Injective intermixing of feed streams agitates the backmixing reaction chamber. In one embodiment, a variable position flow restriction baffle is axially moved to commensurately modify the backmixing reaction chamber and tubular-flow reactor volumes. In another embodiment, the tubular-flow reactor is quenched with a variable position quenching input. The method further provides for condensing the output stream from the reaction system in a condensing scrubber and also for recycling a portion of the scrubbed output stream to the reactor system.

Abstract: A process for the oxidation of methane to methanol has been developed. The process involves contacting a gas stream, comprising methane, a solvent and an oxidizing agent with a catalyst at oxidation conditions to produce a methyl ester. Finally, the methyl ester is hydrolyzed to yield a methanol product stream. The catalyst comprises a transition metal component such as manganese oxide and an inorganic oxide such as silica. The transition metal component can be dispersed onto the inorganic oxide.

Abstract: A process for the production of methanol from methane has been developed. The process involves reacting methane with an oxidant such as oxygen or a peroxide in the presence of a catalyst and a solvent in a reaction zone to produce an effluent stream comprising a methanol product. The effluent stream is next separated into a gaseous stream comprising unreacted methane and carbon dioxide and a liquid stream comprising the methanol product and solvent. Next the gaseous stream is further separated to provide a methane stream which is recycled to the reaction zone. Finally, a methanol stream is isolated and a solvent stream is recycled to the reaction zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of a mixture of alcohols and ketones by the liquid phase oxidation of isoalkanes to alkyl hydroperoxides with simultaneous transfer of oxygen to alkanes (C8-C20) in presence of oxides alkaline earth metals like magnesium, calcium, barium and strontium and oxides of rare earth metals such as lanthanum, cerium, samarium, neodymium and europium, at a temperature ranging between 110 °-160° C. and air pressure ranging between 10-1500 psig for a period of 0.5-20 h, cooling the reaction mixture to 5° C., separating the products by conventional methods such as distillation. The catalyst reused for several times without affecting its catalytic performance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the production of a mixture of alcohols and ketones by the liquid phase oxidation of higher alkanes using a catalyst system consisting of transition group metal such as palladium and support such as alumina, silica, carbon, preferably carbon in the presence of alkyl hydroperoxide as oxygen carrier, under stirring conditions at a temperature range of 10°–120° C. and at atmospheric pressure in a stirred glass reactor for a period of 1–30 h. The present invention produces a mixture of alcohols and ketones with high selectivity (preferably 60–90%) along with other byproducts such as diketones and acids.

Abstract: Methanol is produced from bacterially oxidized waste methane by reaction with Pd+2, Cu+2, air, and molten phthalic anhydride in an entrained oxidizer generating half ester of methyl phthalate which is reaction distilled to produce methanol and recycle phthalic anhydride containing the Pd+2, Cu+2 phthalate catalyst.

Abstract: A palladium complex catalyzed process for the oxidation of linear alkanes is proposed which employs molecular oxygen as the oxidant to produce secondary alcohols and ketones in high selectivity, the said catalyst is a single entity and does not requires the use of any co-catalyst or solvent.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for converting propane and higher alkanes to their corresponding alcohols through a multi-step process with olefin as an intermediate. Methods are also disclosed for facilitating the transportation, purification or other treatment of propylene and higher olefins using a chemical conversion to the corresponding alcohol and reconversion to olefin. Methods are also disclosed for converting propane and higher alkanes to olefins using the corresponding alcohol as a temporary intermediate to minimize purification, transportation and/or other treatment costs.

Abstract: Gas phase hydrocarbons resulting from the operation of offshore petroleum wells are converted into corresponding liquid products which are mixed with liquid phased hydrocarbons resulting from operation of the offshore petroleum well for delivery therewith.

Abstract: A chemical reactor for direct conversion of hydrocarbons includes a dielectric barrier discharge plasma cell and a solid oxide electrochemical cell in fluid communication therewith. The discharge plasma cell comprises a pair of electrodes separated by a dielectric material and passageway therebetween. The electrochemical cell comprises a mixed-conducting solid oxide electrolyte membrane tube positioned between a porous cathode and a porous anode, and a gas inlet tube for feeding oxygen containing gas to the porous cathode. An inlet is provided for feeding hydrocarbons to the passageway of the discharge plasma cell, and an outlet is provided for discharging reaction products from the reactor. A packed bed catalyst may optionally be used in the reactor to increase efficiency of conversion. The reactor can be modified to allow use of a light source for directing ultraviolet light into the discharge plasma cell and the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for oxyfunctionalizing, that is, introducing oxygen functionality to, a polyolefin such as polypropylene and poly(ethylene-alt-propylene). The polyolefin is contacted with an oxygen source such as a persulfate and catalytic amounts of a metal porphyrin complex under mild conditions to yield an oxyfunctionalized polymer that has a polydispersity that is very similar to that of the starting polymer.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for converting propane and higher alkanes to their corresponding alcohols through a multi-step process with olefin as an intermediate. Methods are also disclosed for facilitating the transportation, purification or other treatment of propylene and higher olefins using a chemical conversion to the corresponding alcohol and reconversion to olefin. Methods are also disclosed for converting propane and higher alkanes to olefins using the corresponding alcohol as a temporary intermediate to minimize purification, transportation and/or other treatment costs.

Abstract: A water soluble bactericide is obtained by ozone-oxidizing glycerin. Specifically, a 0.1 to 20% glycerin aqueous solution and gas phase ozone obtained by ozonizing oxygen through contact between oxygen and a silent discharge field, are brought into gas-liquid contact with each other, thereby to ozone-oxdize glycerin. Alternatively, a 0.1 to 20% glycerin aqueous solution is electrolyzed, thereby to produce ozone directly in the glycerin aqueous solution.

Abstract: Improved oxidation methods are provided wherein a reaction mixture comprising a substrate to be oxidized (e.g., phenols, alkenes) and an oxidation catalyst (typically dispersed in an organic solvent system) is supplemented with a compressed gas which expands the reaction mixture, thus accelerating the oxidation reaction. In preferred practice pressurized subcritical or supercritical carbon dioxide is used as the expanding gas, which is introduced into the reaction mixture together with an oxidizing agent. The inventive methods improve the substrate conversion and product selectivity by increasing the solubility of the oxidizing agent in the reaction mixture.

Abstract: This invention concerns catalysts comprising a molybdenum compound of formula I, II, III, IV or V

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for oxidizing substrates such as hydrocarbons, waxes or soot. The method involves the use of a compound of formula (I) in which: R1 and R2 represent H, an aliphatic or aromatic alkoxy radical, carboxyl radical, alkoxycarbonyl radical or hydrocarbon radical, each having 1 to 20 hydrocarbon atoms, SO3H, NH2, OH, F, Cl, Br, I and/or NO2, whereby R1 and R2 designate identical or different radicals or R1 and R2 can be linked to one another via a covalent bonding; Q1 and Q2 represent C, CH, N, CR5, each being the same or different; X and Z represent C, S, CH2, each being the same or different; Y represents O and OH; k=0, 1, 2; l=0, 1, 2; m=1 to 3, and; R5 represents one of the meanings of R1. Said compound is used as a catalyst in the presence of a radical initiator, whereby the molar ratio of the catalyst to the hydrocarbon is less than 10 mol %. Peroxy compounds or azo compounds can be used as the radical initiator.

Abstract: A process for preparing C9-alcohols comprises a) providing a C4-hydrocarbon stream comprising butene and butane; b) subjecting the C4-hydrocarbon stream to oligomerization over an olefin oligomerization catalyst and fractionating the resulting reaction mixture to give an octene-containing stream and a butene-depleted C4-hydrocarbon stream; c) subjecting the butene-depleted C4-hydrocarbon stream to steam reforming or partial oxidation to give carbon monoxide and hydrogen; d) hydroformylating the octene-containing stream by means of carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a hydroformylation catalyst to form C9-aldehydes, where the carbon monoxide used and/or the hydrogen used originate at least in part from step c); and e) catalytically hydrogenating the C9-aldehydes by means of hydrogen.

Abstract: Catalytic processes have been developed for direct ambient air oxidative conversion of hydrocarbons to aldehydes and unsaturated alcohols. Aliphatic hydrocarbons including methane, hexanes, octanes, decanes, gasoline, diesel fuel, oils, solvents and other organic compounds have been oxidized by this catalytic process. The catalysts are based on molecular strings of di-, tri- and/or poly-groups of transition metal complexes. Laboratory results have demonstrated [iron(II)]2, [manganese(II)]2 and related families of catalysts to be effective for ambient air direct oxidative conversion of hydrocarbons to products in high yields at room temperature and above, while [cobalt(II)]3 was effective for air oxidative conversion of methane to formaldehyde and for other gaseous hydrocarbons to their corresponding aldehydes at elevated temperatures.