CATALYST COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR ALCOHOL PRODUCTION FROM SYNTHESIS GAS
In one aspect of this invention, catalytic compositions produced by calcining intermediates of the formula [NR 4 ] x [M 1 2 M 2 S 8 ] are provided, wherein M 1 is Mo or W; M 2 is Co, Ni, or Pd; x is 2 or 3; and R is a C 3 -C 8 alkyl group. Another aspect provides catalytic compositions produced by calcining intermediates of the formula A x [M 1 2 M 2 S 8 ], wherein A is selected from K, Rb, Cs, Sr, and Ba. Also provided are methods for making the compositions, and methods of using the compositions for the catalytic conversion of syngas into C 1 -C 4 alcohols such as ethanol.
1 . A compound of the formula [NR 4 ] x [M 1 2 M 2 S 8 ], wherein:
M 1 is Mo or W;
M 2 is Co, Ni, or Pd;
x is 2 or 3;
x is 2 when M 2 is Ni or Pd;
x is 3 when M 1 is Mo and M 2 is Co; and
R is a C 3 -C 8 alkyl group.
2 . The compound of claim 1 , wherein M 1 is Mo.
3 . The compound of claim 1 , wherein M 1 is W.
4 . The compound of claim 1 , wherein M 2 is Co.
5 . The compound of claim 1 , wherein M 2 is Ni.
6 . The compound of claim 1 , wherein M 2 is Pd.
7 . The compound of claim 1 , wherein R is an n-alkyl group.
8 . The compound of claim 7 , wherein said n-alkyl group is n-butyl.
9 . The compound of claim 7 , wherein said n-alkyl group is n-pentyl.
10 . The compound of claim 7 , wherein said n-alkyl group is n-hexyl.
11 . The compound of claim 1 , wherein said compound has the formula [NR 4 ] 3 [Mo 2 CoS 8 ].
12 . The compound of claim 1 , wherein said compound has the formula [NR 4 ] 2 [Mo 2 NiS 8 ].
13 . The compound of claim 1 , wherein said compound has the formula [NR 4 ] 3 [W 2 CoS 8 ].
14 . The compound of claim 1 , wherein said compound has the formula [NR 4 ] 2 [W 2 CoS 8 ].
15 . The compound of claim 1 , wherein said compound has the formula [NR 4 ] 2 [W 2 NiS 8 ].
16 . A composition comprising at least two compounds, wherein each of said two compounds is in accordance with claim 1 .
17 . The composition of claim 16 , said composition comprising [NR 4 ] 2 [Mo 2 NiS 8 ] and [NR 4 ] 2 [Mo 2 CoS 8 ].
18 . The composition of claim 16 , said composition comprising [NR 4 ] 2 [W 2 NiS 8 ] and [NR 4 ] 2 [W 2 CoS 8 s].
19 . The composition of claim 16 , said composition including Pd.
20 . A composition according to claim 1 , further comprising a solvent.
21 . A compound of the formula A x [M 1 2 M 2 S 8 ], wherein:
A is selected from the group consisting of K, Rb, Cs;
M 1 is Mo or W;
M 2 is Co, Ni, or Pd;
x is 2 or 3;
x is 2 when M 2 is Ni or Pd; and
x is 3 when M 1 is Mo and M 2 is Co.
22 . A compound of the formula A x [M 1 2 M 2 S 8 ], wherein:
A is selected from the group consisting of Sr and Ba;
M 1 is Mo or W;
M 2 is Co, Ni, or Pd;
x is 1 or 1.5;
x is 1 when M 2 is Ni or Pd; and
x is 1.5 when M 1 is Mo and M 2 is Co.
23 . The compound of claim 21 , wherein said compound has a formula selected from the group consisting of A 3 [Mo 2 CoS 8 ], A 2 [Mo 2 NiS 8 ], A 3 [W 2 CoS 8 ], A 2 [W 2 CoS 8 ], and A 2 [W 2 NiS 8 ].
24 . The compound of claim 22 , wherein said compound has a formula selected from the group consisting of A 1.5 [Mo 2 CoS 8 ], A[Mo 2 NiS 8 ], A 1.5 [W 2 CoS 8 ], A[W 2 CoS 8 ], and A[W 2 NiS 8 ].
25 . A composition comprising at least two compounds, wherein each of said two compounds is in accordance with either claim 21 or claim 22 .
26 . A composition according to either of claim 21 or 22 , further comprising a solvent.
27 . A composition comprising at least two compounds, wherein at least one of said compounds is in accordance with claim 1 , and at least one of said compounds is in accordance with either claim 21 or 22 .