Catalytic methanol carbonylation dimethyl ether

Rh > Ir > Ni > Pd > Co > Ru > Fe A plot of the relation between the catalytic activity and the affinity of the metals for halide ion resulted in a volcano shape. The rate determining step of the reaction was discussed on the basis of this affinity and the reaction order with respect to methyl iodide. Methanol was first carbonylated to methyl acetate directly or via dimethyl ether, then carbonylated again to acetic anhydride and finally quickly hydrolyzed to acetic acid. Overall kinetics were explored to simulate variable product profiles based on the reaction network mentioned above. Carbon monoxide was adsorbed weakly and associatively on nickel-activated-carbon catalysts. Carbon monoxide was adsorbed on nickel-y-alumina or nickel-silica gel catalysts more strongly and, in part, dissociatively,... 

The silica gel-supported IL-phase catalyst could be applied in the continuous methanol carbonylation [99]. A rhodium carbonyl-functionalized IL was produced inside the silica gel-supported [BMIm]I and used as the catalytically active species for the carbonylation reaction. Scheme 2.24. At 150 °C, the conversion of methanol reached 99% if Mel was used as an additive. The major products were acetic acid (21.4%), methyl acetate (74.4%), and dimethyl ether (4.2%). 

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