Recent developments in isobutanol synthesis from synthesis gas Original Research Article

The increased demand for methyl-t-butyl ether (MTBE) and other tertiary alkyl ethers as gasoline additives has attracted attention to alternative pathways for their production. A possible way offers the synthesis of isobutanol–methanol mixtures via CO hydrogenation. During the previous years a substantial number of papers has appeared, which legitimates an assessment of the current state of knowledge. This review aims to give a summary of the latest activities and covers the recent progress made in catalyst development, mechanistical investigations and engineering concepts.