Links between reaction intermediates, activity and/or selectivity in syngas chemistry

Abstract Some examples of characterization and reactivity of reaction intermediates present during the synthesis from syngas of alcohols and hydrocarbons are discussed. When possible a link is made between the surface concentration of these species and the catalytic properties (selectivity and CO conversion). Methanol, higher alcohols and hydrocarbons formed on copper, iron or cobalt based catalysts, respectively, are the chosen examples. The different methods used to identify and localise these species are TPD, FTIR, CO dissocation, and chemical trapping.