(97k) One- Step Synthesis of Dimethoxymethane Via Methanol Oxidation over Multi- Component Catalysts

Reaction characteristics are being investigated for the one-step synthesis of dimethoxymethane (DMM) from methanol. By utilizing multi-component catalysts methanol has been oxidized to DMM at mild operating conditions and low conversions. This method has advantages over the current industrial production process involving a catalytic redox reaction followed by acidic dehydration, where formaldehyde is an intermediate product. Common metal oxides such as V2O5, P2O5, and WO3, which have either acidic or redox properties are the components of the catalysts under investigation. In addition to their reactive characteristics, these components are also attractive because they are inexpensive and already used extensively in industry. Steady state oxidation reaction products have been analyzed by gas chromatography in order to select catalysts with the highest selectivity. Surface studies of these catalysts, including Raman Spectroscopy and Temperature Programmed Surface Reaction (TPSR), will provide information on the catalyst surface structure, and the kinetics of the reaction. Analysis of the oxidation products of deuterated methanol will provide data for the development of the reaction mechanism.