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Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel catalyst combination and a novel ocess for the synthesis of methanol and methyl formate (MF), and more specifically to the production of methanol and MF by contacting syngas under relatively mild conditions in a slurry phase with the novel catalyst combination comprising unreduced copper chromite prepared using specifical method, alkali alcoholates, a nonionics and a non-polar solvent. The nonionics, for example, C.sub.8 H.sub.17 --(C.sub.6 H.sub.4)--O--(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.n H (where n is between 4 and 60) is used in the amount that is at least 5 vol. % of the slurry (liquid reaction medium). And the non-polar solvent having a dielectricity constant between 2 and 3 at 20.degree. C. is used in the amount that is at least 50 vol. % of the slurry. The present invention allows the synthesis of methanol and MF to occur in the temperature range of approximately 100-150.degree. C., and the pressure range of 3-8 MPa. The process produces methanol and MF with up to 95% syngas conversion per pass and up to 99% selectivity to methanol and MF. Very small amount of water, carbon dioxide and dimethyl ether is also produced. A space-time-yield of 88.3 gms./L/h is achieved when using a continuous stirring tank reactor(CSTR). A tubular slurry reactor of 10 liter volume without any mechanical agitator has been successfully used. The present catalyst combination also is capable of tolerating fluctuations in the H.sub.2 /CO ratio without major deleterious effect on the reaction rate. Furthermore, carbon dioxide and water are also tolerated without substantial catalyst deactivation.

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First Claim