Author Topic: Benzyl Alcohol to Beta-Phenylethyl Alcohol  (Read 1605 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Elementary

  • Guest
Benzyl Alcohol to Beta-Phenylethyl Alcohol
« on: May 22, 2002, 04:39:00 AM »
Here's an interesting patent.

Patent US4158100



Abstract :

beta -Phenylethyl alcohol is prepared by the homologation of benzyl alcohol with hydrogen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a cobalt catalyst promoted with ruthenium and iodine compounds, in the presence of water at a temperature from 100 DEG to 165 DEG C. High yields and selectivity of the beta -phenylethyl alcohol are obtained.


The patents also refers to the conversion of methanol to ethanol via simular techniques (bootleggers wetdream !)

The only thing that puts a bummer on the reaction is the high pressures needed.

Don't cry for me I'm the cleaner

PrimoPyro

  • Guest
Polyaddition
« Reply #1 on: May 22, 2002, 04:48:00 AM »
I wonder what (if anything) prevents polyadditions from occurring, causing the formed phenethanol to add to CO to form phenylpropanol, etc?

                                                 PrimoPyro

Vivent Longtemps La Ruche! How's my posting? Call 1-800-EAT-SHIT