1153.     GAS WORLD.  Synthetic Methyl Alcohol.  Vol. 82, 1925, p. 416.

       Synthetic production of MeOH is now successful on a commercial scale.  In 1921 Patart and in 1922 the Badische Anilin Co. patented the catalysis of CO and H₂ at high pressures and moderate temperatures in the presence of catalysts.  The reactions are:

             (a)            CO+2H₂=CH₃OH.

            (b)            CH₃OH+H₂=CH₄+H₂O.

            (c)            CH₃OH+CO=CH₄+CO₂.

Reaction (a) is favored by high pressures, since it is accompanied by a diminution in volume.  Reactions (b) and (c) are unaffected by pressure, since there is no change in volume, but since they are endothermic from left to right, they are favored by high temperatures.  By keeping the temperature low the production of CH₃OH is favored.  With a special saline catalyzer 1 m.³ of CO and 2 of H₂ at 250 atm. and 220°-300° C. will yield 1.36 kg. of CH₃OH of remarkable purity, free from aldehyes and acetone in an apparatus similar to that used for synthesis of NH₃.  By raising the temperature higher, alcohols and CH₄ are produced.  The economic importance of this reaction is evident.