SELECTIVE SYNTHESIS OF DIMETHYL ETHER FROM SYNTHESIS GAS

Abstract

Dimethyl ether was produced selectively from synthesis gas with hybrid catalysts composed of methanol synthesis catalysts and γ-alumina. It was estimated that methanol, the primary product, was immediately converted in situ to dimethyl ether and water on the γ-alumina and that the water reacted with CO to form CO₂ and H₂ on the methanol synthesis catalyst.