3633.     WEIR, H. M.  Oxo Process for Alcohol Manufacture From Olefins.  TOM Rept. 6, 1945, 30 pp.; PB 2,047; T.A.C. AIML-1.

        Report covers the essential features of the Oxo process for producing alcohols from olefins as compiled mostly from seized German documents and interviews with personnel.  The 1^st stage of the process is operated at 150 atm. and 140°, the 2d at 150-200 atm. and 180°.  The standard Fischer-Tropsch catalyst (100 Co-5 ThO₂-8 MgO-180-200 kieselguhr) is used generally.  The Co of the catalyst is converted partly to Co(CO)₄ in the 1^st stage, and this dissolves in the liquid product.  Subsequent hydrogenation breaks up the carbonyl leaving the Co in a catalytically active form.  apparently, almost any type of olefins may e used for the feed, but the sources mainly considered were the primary aliphatic olefins produced by the Fischer-Tropsch process and the olefins with double bond at the end of the straight chain obtained by mild cracking of Fischer-Tropsch paraffin gatsch.  When diolefins are present, reaction occurs at only one of the double bonds with poor yields. Practically olefin mixtures from C₁₁-C₁₇ were desired, mainly, since these gave C₁₂-C₁₈ alcohols, which, after sulfonation, were most effective as detergents.  The chemistry of the process is reviewed, and the practical operating conditions are outlined, with some attention being given to the engineering standpoint with flow sheet of the continuous process.  The overall cost of alcohol product is calculated at 71 pf. per kg. for the batch process and 60 pf. per kg. for the continuous process or $0.05-$0.09 per lb.