CHEMICALS BASED ON SYNTHESIS GAS

Many chemicals are produced from synthesis gas. This is a consequence of the high reactivity associated with hydrogen and carbon monoxide gases, the two constituents of synthesis gas. The reactivity of this mixture was demonstrated during World War II, when it was used to produce alternative hydrocarbon fuels using Fischer Tropsch technology. The synthesis gas mixture was produced then by gasifying coal.  Synthesis gas is also an important building block for aldehydes from olefins. The catalytic hydroformylation reaction (Oxo reaction) is used with many olefins to produce aldehydes and alcohols of commercial importance.

The two major chemicals based on synthesis gas are ammonia and methanol. Each compound is a precursor for many other chemicals. From ammonia, urea, nitric acid, hydrazine, acrylonitrile, methylamines and many other minor chemicals are produced  Each of these chemicals is also a precursor of more chemicals.

Methanol, the second major product from synthesis gas, is a unique compound of high chemical reactivity as well as good fuel properties. It is a building block for many reactive compounds such as formaldehyde, acetic acid, and methylamine. It also offers an alternative way to produce hydrocarbons in the gasoline range (Mobil to gasoline MTG process). It may prove to be a competitive source for producing light olefins in the future.