Methanoltogasoline

Methanoltogasoline, commonly referred to as methanol-to-gasoline (MTG), is a chemical process that converts methanol into gasoline‑range hydrocarbons. Methanol is typically produced from synthesis gas composed of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, derived from natural gas, coal, or biomass, and the methanol is then catalytically converted into hydrocarbons in the gasoline range using a zeolite‑based catalyst.

In MTG, methanol is fed to a reactor containing a zeolite catalyst, commonly ZSM-5, which promotes reactions that yield gasoline- and distillate-range hydrocarbons. The process may be operated in a single pass or in multiple stages, with unreacted methanol and light byproducts recycled or refined further. The overall product stream is separated into gasoline, LPG, and heavier fractions, with gasoline meeting typical refinery specifications after processing.

MTG was developed by Mobil in the 1970s and 1980s as a route to liquid fuels from gas-derived feedstocks. A commercial or semi-commercial plant operated in Motunui, New Zealand, and several pilot and demonstration facilities were built in other countries, including China. Although the technology proved technically feasible, it faced economic and feedstock-cost challenges and did not achieve broad commercial deployment.

Today MTG remains primarily of historical and niche interest, with other methanol- and gas-to-liquids technologies (e.g., Fischer–Tropsch GTL) more widely pursued. Ongoing research evaluates catalyst performance, process integration with methanol synthesis, and environmental and energy-efficiency aspects, particularly as natural gas and coal resources vary regionally.