The development of a new generation of methyl chloride synthesis catalyst

McInroy, A. R., Winfield, J. M., Dudman, C. C., Jones, P. and Lennon, D. (2016) The development of a new generation of methyl chloride synthesis catalyst. Faraday Discussions, 188, pp. 467-479. (doi: 10.1039/C5FD00202H)

Abstract

In previous work by the authors, aspects of the surface chemistry connected with methyl chloride synthesis over an -alumina catalyst have been examined. This communication considers a role for Group 1 metal salts to modify the catalytic performance of the well characterised -alumina catalyst. Firstly, based on a previously postulated mechanism for the reaction of methanol on -alumina, a mechanism for methyl chloride synthesis over the -alumina catalyst is proposed. Secondly, the validity of the new mechanism is tested by observing how the (i) type and (ii) loading of the Group 1 metal salt may perturb methyl chloride selectivity. The outcomes of these measurements are rationalised with reference to the postulated mechanism. Overall, this study represents an example of how a proposed reaction mechanism has been used to inform and guide a catalyst development strategy for a large-scale industrial process.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Winfield, Professor John and Lennon, Professor David
• Authors: McInroy, A. R., Winfield, J. M., Dudman, C. C., Jones, P., and Lennon, D.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
• Journal Name: Faraday Discussions
• Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
• ISSN: 1359-6640
• ISSN (Online): 1364-5498
• Published Online: 09 December 2016
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2016 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Faraday Discussions 188:467-479
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License