MANUFACTURE OF METHANOL
Methanol is produced from methane and oxygen in a single step process using a heterogeneous catalyst. The catalyst comprises the chloride salts of copper, potassium, lead and zinc.
1 . A process for the manufacture of methanol from methane and oxygen in a single step wherein methane and oxygen are reacted over a heterogeneous catalyst comprising the chlorides of copper, potassium, lead and zinc to produce methanol, the reaction being conducted at a temperature in the range of 375° C. to 475° C. and under a pressure from 1 atmosphere to 20 atmospheres.
2 . The process according to claim I in which the reaction is carried out in a fluidized bed reactor.
3 . The process according to claim 1 in which an excess of methane is used.
4 . The process according to claim 1 in which oxygen is supplied by air.