A new method of low-temperature methanol synthesis

A novel reaction system has been developed to synthesize methanol from carb on monoxide and hydrogen containing carbon dioxide as well as water by copp er-based catalysts at low temperature and low pressure, compared to the pre sent industrial process. This may be a new method for commercial methanol p roduction. Carbon dioxide and water, which usually act as poisons to alkali metal methoxide catalyst in the low-temperature methanol synthesis reactio n, play a promotional role in this new route. Accompanying alcohol, as a "c atalytic liquid medium," with the aid of copper-based solid catalyst, alter ed the reaction path to a low-temperature direction. (C) 2001 Academic Pres s.