PATENTS

      1473.  ------.  [I. G. FARBENINDUSTRIE, A. G.]  [Producing Oxygenated Organic Compounds.]  German Patent Appl. I 72,925. OZ 13,596. filed Aug. 10, 1942 (Cl. IV d-12 o).  FIAT Reel 168. frames 7,071-7,077: PB 68,477: TOM Reel 36. 3,454. item 21: Meyer Transl. PC-S-V, Oxo. vol. 1. chap. 17, 1948. p. 42.

            In the production of oxygenated organic compounds by treating olefinic compounds with CO and H₂ in the liquid phase under high pressure of catalysts, preferably with hydrogenation of the products, the liquid raw materials together with CO and H₂ are passed in parallel flow or counterflow through the pressure vessel in such a way that the entering material does not become mixed with the products leaving the reactor.  If desired, and excess of CO-H₂ mixture can be used as a circulation gas, in which case the conversion products are not expanded until after the circulation gas is separated.  In a pressure vessel 8 m. long and 200 mm. diameter, and hourly charge of 95 parts middle oil and 5 parts of catalyst (33% Co. 2% ThO₂, 2% MgO, and 63% kieselguhr) is maintained at 140º.  Water gas (52% H₂, 41% CO, 2% N₂, and 5% CO₂) is admitted at the lower end at such a velocity that only 1/30 is chemically combined by the olefins in the liquid mixture.  It acts mainly as a circulation gas to keep the mixture in suspension.  After withdrawal of the reacted material, expansion takes place, and the liquid portion is hydrogenated at 180º and 200 atm., separated form the catalyst, and fractionated.  A yield of mainly C₁₆ and C₁₇ alcohols, b. 315º-345º, amounting to 92% of the 95% converted olefins, is obtained.