Continuous Gas-Phase Synthesis of Oxymethylene Dimethyl Ethers Using Supported Ionic Liquid Phase Catalysts

Abstract

Acidic supported ionic liquid phase catalysts were investigated for the synthesis of oxymethylene dimethyl ethers (OMEs). The application of OME 1 and trioxane for the gas-phase synthesis of higher OMEs and in particular the generation of OME n with n higher than 3 was successfully demonstrated. Raising the pressure led to an increase in the conversion of OME 1 and to higher selectivity for higher molecular weight OMEs. Furthermore, a correlation between the ionic liquid's acidity and the catalytic activity was shown with higher acidity leading to higher conversion of trioxane and OME 1 . Moreover, successful long-term operation for more than 200 h time on stream has been demonstrated with good catalyst system stability.

From a Batch to a Continuous Supported Ionic Liquid Phase (SILP) Process: Anhydrous Synthesis of Oxymethylene Dimethyl Ethers

“…While the presented experiments were performed in a pressurefree setup, recently reported Brønsted-acidic SILP-catalysts could only achieve comparable X OME1 (11.4 % at 5.3 bar) through the application of pressure for the reaction of OME 1 with TRI highlighting the potent catalytic activity of our systems. [36] Current research focuses on the influence of the carrier material, the IL loading number, as well as the suitability of these catalysts for OME n production by dimethylether activation. co-divinylbenzene) Amberlyst© 36-catalyst.…”

“…[35] Also very recently, the gas-phase reaction of TRI with OME 1 was described in a continuous process by use of acidic SILP-catalysts. [36] SILPcatalysis combines the positive effects of homo-and heterogeneous catalysis. The catalytic reaction takes place in the very active IL-catalyst layer, which is immobilized on the surface of the support, thereby enabling easy catalyst separation and continuous gas-phase application.…”

“…The continuous gas‐phase reaction of MeOH with FA was investigated by the group of Schüth, [34] while the group of Burger described the same reaction in condensed phase [35] . Also very recently, the gas‐phase reaction of TRI with OME 1 was described in a continuous process by use of acidic SILP‐catalysts [36] . SILP‐catalysis combines the positive effects of homo‐ and heterogeneous catalysis.…”