Thermodynamics of formaldehyde manufacture from methanol

摘要: The production of formaldehyde from methanol, either by thermal decomposition, catalytic oxidation or a combination the two, is treated as an exercise in chemical thermodynamics. Simple dehydrogenation methanol does not appear attractive because it requires temperatures which tend to produce decomposition formed. Oxidation and steam agency catalyst active region 300°, ideal working mixture for insulated containing roughly 5 1/2 8% air. composite process, occur simultaneously, offers certain advantages, may be expected give maximum efficiency range 500–700°, corresponding methanol/air mixtures 45 37% methanol. Addition reacting lowers temperature modifies product composition accordingly. Rapid cooling products about 300° essential avoid regeneration formaldehyde. An interesting feature that straight oxidation-process operates with air at just below lower inflammability limit, whereas process above upper limit.