CATALYTIC DEHYDROGENATION OF METHANOL TO WATER-FREE FORMALDEHYDE

Catalytic dehydrogenation of methanol is a promising process of produc ing water-free formaldehyde. The present paper reviews research in thi s field. As effective catalysts mainly transition metal compounds as w ell as oxides and salts containing sodium have been reported. Several catalysts exhibit high activity and high selectivity, for formaldehyde at low conversions while further efforts have to be made to improve c atalyst stability and selectivity at high conversions. Catalytic dehyd rogenation of methanol to formaldehyde is compared with methanol oxida tion.