Gas-phase hydration of ethylene over a proton-exchanged ferrierite-type zeolite catalyst

Abstract

The gas-phase hydration of ethylene over a proton-exchanged ferrierite-type catalyst attains approximate equilibrium at 473-673 K, contact time 3.0-6.0 g s mi-1, space velocity 571-286 h-1, with a molar ratio of H20 to C2H4 of 1 : 1, under 1 atmosphere pressure.Although supported phosphoric acid is the preferred industrial catalyst for gas-phase ethanol synthesis from ethylene and water, it has the disadvantage that the phosphoric acid may vapourize during the reaction, resulting in a decrease in catalytic activity and corrosion of equipment. Tungstosilicic the ferrierite-type and ZSM-5-type zeolites.