TITLE: Synthesis of acrylates and methacrlyates from coal-derived syngas.  Quarterly technical progress report, January 1, 1995--March 31, 1995.

AUTHOR: R. E. Tischer;   J. J. Spivey.

INST.  AUTHOR: Research Triangle Inst., Research Triangle Park, NC.

SPONSOR: Department of Energy, Washington, DC.

LANGUAGE: English

PUB.  TYPE: Technical Report

PUB.  COUNTRY: United States

SOURCE: Department of Energy [DE],  1995,  12p.

NTIS ORDER NO.: DE95015914INW

ABSTRACT:

The objective Task 1, Synthesis of Propionates, is to develop the technology for the synthesis of low-cost propionates. These propionates are the basic feedstock for the subsequent reaction with formaldehyde to produce the target molecule, methyl methacrylate (MMA). The objective Task 2, Condensation Catalysis to develop catalysts for the condensation of the propionate (propionic anhydride is our target molecule) with formaldehyde.  This reaction produces methacrylic acid (MAA), which would then be reacted with methanol to produce MMA in the slurry reactor. We have synthesized a wide range of catalysts and the results show that there is substantial byproduct formation, including 3-pentanone and some propionic acid. Our results show the highest yields of MAA using an alkalized alumina (1%Na/(sub y)-Al2O3). Although the condensation of propionic acid with formaldehyde is well studied in the literature, little is reported on the condensation of the anhydride. Although it is likely that the same general types of acid/base catalysts that promote the acid condensation will also promote that of the anhydride, the strength and balance of the acid and base sites is likely to be different.

REPORT  NUMBER: DOE/PC/94065-T2

CONTRACT  NUMBER: AC22-94PC94065