LIQUID-PHASE HYDROGENOLYSIS OF METHYL FORMATE IN A SEMI BATCH REACTOR

The liquid phase hydrogenolysis of methyl formate has been studied in a three phase slurry reactor using a Girdler G-89 copper chromite catalyst. Measurements at 446 K show a very high selectivity to methanol. The reaction is first order in methyl formate, first order in hydrogen for pressures of 1. 7 to 4. 5 MPa and has an apparent activation energy of 62 kJ mol** minus **1. Unlike the corresponding vapor phase process at atmospheric pressure, the liquid phase reaction shows no evidence of catalyst deactivation at 450 K and to conversions beyond 70%. However, inhibition, which is at least partially reversible, becomes apparent at 473 K when carbon monoxide is detectable as a by-product.