Higher Alcohols Synthesis on Cobalt Based Model Catalysts.

Abstract A review of the main features of higher alcohols synthesis on model cobalt-based catalysts is presented. The specific effects of modifiers such as alumina, copper, zinc and sodium, typical of patented formulations, are analyzed at each step of the catalyst synthesis: preparation, activation and catalytic test. On the basis of these effects and other data obtained from the literature, the nature of the active sites is discussed in relation to reaction mechanisms.