GB173538A - Process for the production of reactive acid liquor, alcohols, esters and the like from gaseous hydrocarbons - Google Patents

Abstract

A gas containing unsaturated hydrocarbons, mainly of the olefine type, and saturated hydrocarbons, is treated with sulphuric acid of sp. gr. 1.57-1.84 at temperatures such that substantial polymerization is avoided and there is produced a liquid containing alkyl sulphuric acids higher than the ethyl compound, the liquid being capable of use for the production of monohydric alcohols, esters, &c. The maximum allowable temperature varies from 40 DEG C. for weak acid to 10 DEG C. for strong acid. Acid of sp. gr. 1.8 is preferred. With the acid there may be mixed a neutral liquid having a solvent action on the gases, for instance a hydrocarbon oil insoluble in the acid. Petroleum oil, freed from olefines by sulphuric acid, may be used. The reaction may take place in a closed vessel equipped with a cooling jacket or coils and with an agitator for keeping the oil mixed with the acid; or the gas passing through the liquid may serve for the same purpose. Alternatively, the liquids and gas may pass in opposite directions through one or more towers. The acid liquid may be separated from the oil by settling or centrifugally, and may then have a sp. gr. of 1.5-1.2. Alcohols, mainly secondary, are obtained by dilution, removal of any oil which separates, and distillation. In the production of esters, by adding acetic acid, calcium acetate, &c., and distilling, it is preferred to dilute with water to the amount of 1/5 -\ba1/3 of the sulphuric acid, to check carbonization, polymerization, and the regeneration of olefines. The gas treated may be that obtained in cracking petroleum oils, and may first be compressed to 160 lb. per sq. in. to remove condensible materials. After the absorption of the greater part of the higher olefines as described, any residual propylene &c. may be removed by a second treatment with acid of sp. gr. 1.8 at a temperature of 50 DEG or more, whereby they are converted into waste sludge. Ethylene may then be absorbed by stronger acid, e.g. pure acid, preferably at higher temperatures. A neutral absorbent material, such at molten paraffin wax, may also be mixed with the acid at this stage. Ethyl alcohol and other derivatives may be obtained from the ethyl hydrogen sulphate. Specifications 147,737 and 160,185 are referred to.