Polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers (PODEn) with the structure represented by the type formula CH3O-(CH2O)n-CH3 can increase cetane number and improve combustion efficiency when added to diesel fuel. The synthesis of PODEn from methanol and formaldehyde is achieved via a series of cascade reactions. Reactions of PODEn synthesized from methanol and formaldehyde were studied in a fixed-bed reactor at temperatures of 323K to 353K. The product distribution was sensitive to temperature with a significant increase in light PODEn when the temperature was increased. The mole ratios of PODEn and PODEn+1 (n≥1) are a constant value under the same reaction conditions and increased with temperature increasing. Thus the desired product distribution of PODEn can be obtained by adjusting the reaction temperature.

Product distribution of polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers from methanol and formaldehyde

249th National Meeting (2015)

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