584. ------. [DU PONT DE NEMOURS, E. I., & Co.] Preparation of Organic Oxygen-Containing Compounds, Including Glycol Ethers and Alcohols. British Patent 665,698, June 7, 1949. British Abs., 1952. B, II, p. 447.

Patent Abstracts

Glycol ethers and alcohols are synthesized by interaction in a pressure-resistant vessel of a OH-compound (preferably a C1-9 saturated aliphatic alcohol) with CO and H₂ (CO:H₂ is preferably 3:1-1:3) at 1,000-5,000 atm. in presence of a Co-containing catalyst at 100º-350º. Solid or dissolved catalysts may be used, those particularly effective being the acetate, stearate, napthenate, and isobutyrate of Co employed in amounts of not less than 0.001% based on the weight of alcohol. Reaction times are 5-15 min., and products are separated by known means.