The synthesis of higher alcohols using modified Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃ catalysts

This paper gives a review of research work in the synthesis of higher alcohols over catalysts based on Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃, emphasizing three main topics: (i) the effect on selectivity of the addition of several compounds to this catalyst, (ii) the effect on selectivity of the reaction conditions used, and (iii) the reaction network leading to the different products found. Although the use of alkali compounds has been studied most extensively, other compounds, for example those containing manganese, also appear to be promising additives. The process conditions are rather critical and this may cause some practical difficulties in industrial plants. An extended aldol condensation mechanism is proposed which can explain the product distribution found.