Effects of modification of highly dispersed cobalt catalysts with alkali cations on the hydrogenation of carbon monoxide

In the hydrogenation of carbon monoxide, alkali cations were found to be effective as modifiers for highly dispersed cobalt catalyst to improve the selectivities of C2-oxygenated compounds, especially acetic acid and acetaldehyde, and to increase the olefin/paraffin ratio of hydrocarbons. These effects are ascribed to depression of the hydrogenating ability of the catalyst by modification with alkali cations.