HYDROGENATION OF CARBON-MONOXIDE BY RUTHENIUM CATALYSTS - A SYNERGISTIC EFFECT OF CHLORIDE SALTS AND WEAK ACIDS

Hydrogenation of carbon monoxide by a Ru-PPNCl-acid system was examined. A synergistic effect was observed for a combination of halide salts and weak acids. Ethylene glycol, methanol and ethanol are the major products. Mechanistic studies suggest that a single catalytic species, presumably the hydroxymethyl-metal intermediate, is responsible for a major part of the ethylene glycol and methanol. Positive effects of moderately polar solvents and weak acids indicate the ion-paired nature of the catalytic species.