Metanolisynteesi

Metanolisynteesi, also known as methanol synthesis, is a chemical process that produces methanol from syngas, a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Syngas is typically derived from natural gas, coal, or biomass through processes like steam reforming or gasification. The synthesis of methanol is primarily carried out using a catalytic process.

The most common industrial method involves reacting carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) at high temperatures and pressures over a catalyst, usually based on copper and zinc oxides supported on alumina. The reaction is exothermic and reversible. The ideal stoichiometry for methanol formation is CO + 2H2 <=> CH3OH. In practice, syngas often contains carbon dioxide (CO2) as well, which can also react with hydrogen to form methanol: CO2 + 3H2 <=> CH3OH + H2O. This latter reaction is also catalyzed by the copper-based catalysts.

The process requires careful control of temperature, pressure, and the ratio of reactants to optimize methanol yield and catalyst life. Impurities in the syngas can poison the catalyst, so purification steps are often necessary. Methanol produced by this synthesis is a crucial intermediate chemical used in the production of various other chemicals, including formaldehyde, acetic acid, and MTBE, and is also used as a fuel additive or as a direct fuel.