ABSTRACT
Methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen are still made from synthesis gas. The manufacture of methanol from synthesis gas has been steadily improved over the years. It is about the only route from synthesis gas to a single organic compound which can be made in high yield at relatively low cost with the current state-of-the-art. This makes methanol an attractive possibility as an intermediate to other chemicals. Methanol conversion is about 99%, with yields based on methanol in the range of 88-91%. The methylamines are formed by reaction of methanol and ammonia in the vapor phase over a dehydration catalyst at a temperature around 450°C and from atmospheric to approximately 300 psi pressure. The production of acetic acid consumed about 12% of the methanol produced in 1982. This is the most rapidly growing chemical application for methanol. Methanol has great potential as a turbine fuel for peaking loads in electrical utilities.
