DEHYDROGENATION OF METHANOL TO METHYL FORMATE OVER COPPER-BASED CATALYSTS

The dehydrogenation of methanol to methyl formate has been studied with copper-based catalysts. Inert compounds, such as quartz, porcelain, pumice, carborundum, and glass, are effective as supports of a copper catalyst, but acidic compounds, such as alumina, silica and zeolite, are unsuitable. The features of the reaction were studied by using a pumice-supported copper catalyst. Methyl formate is almost the sole product up to a methanol conversion of 30%. With a further increase in the extent of reaction, however, the yield of methyl formate is limited by the reaction equilibrium and by the consecutive degradation to form CO. Next, the effects of promoters were systematically studied for various kinds and amounts of metal oxides. It was found that the catalytic activity of copper is strongly affected by the acid-base property of promoters, much as in the cases of many reactions catalyzed on metal oxides.