3799. VAN’T SPIJKER, P., AND SHERRED, J.A. (Shell Development Co.). Method for the Synthesis of Carbonals. United States Patent 2,486,693, Nov. 1, 1949; appl. filed Jan. 2, 1948, Serial No. 434; in the Netherlands, Jan. 15, 1947; 3 claims (Cl. 260-638). Chem Abs., vol. 44, 1950 p. 2544.

Describes an apparatus that has an inner vessel for the Oxo reaction and an outer vessel for hydrogenation of aldhydes. The space between removes CO and insulates the zones. Instead of synthesis gas, 2 gases are used, and H₂-containing gas relatively free of CO and a gas containing H₂ and CO relatively rich in CO or even pure CO. The gases, although separately used, are ultimately mixed, thereby providing an optimum composition of the synthesis gas in the respective stages and eliminating 1 gas recycle. The same pressure 100-300 atm. is used in both stages. The temperature in the hydrogenation stage is somewhat higher than in the Oxo stage. Throughout is 1-3 l. of liquid reactant per l. reaction space per hr. The gas mixture, recycle gas plus added gas rich in CO, for the Oxo stage contains CO and H₂ in a ratio corresponding to ratio in which they are used in the reaction. This is 1:1 for a pure reaction, but generally between 1:1 and 1:2 as a result of the accompanying hydrogenation of part of the aldehydes primarily formed. For the hydrogenation step, a H₂-containing gas, substantially free of CO, is used. 1 literature ref. and 4 United States patents cited.