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Homologation of primary alcohols
N6
carried out by Catalytica and partners, Petro-Canada and Techmocisco Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Oil Co. Catalytica feel that the key factor in the conversion is the generation of methyl bisuiphate, which under reaction conditions is less reactive than methane itself.
Hotiologatlon of Primary Alcohols Alcohols synthesis continues to attract attention and one specific conversion of great interest is the conversion of methanol to ethanol by direct means. Despite much effort, a single step process combining process simplicity with high seiectivii has remained largely elusive. However G. Jenner suggests (J. Mol. Catal., 80 (1993) Ll 1) that ruthenium complexes may offer an answer by permitting conversion of aikyi formates to the corresponding higher alcohoi. Ru3 (CO)12is used in combination with RudPBr, B&P and HCI. The selectivities obtained appear to be an improvement on those reported in former iodine-based homoiogation processes. At about 200°C methyl formate conversion reached over 99% and an ethanol selectivity of 80.0% was reported. MS. SCURRELL
Catalytica-Genzyme
Collaboration
Catalytica inc. and Genzyme Corp. have announced that they have entered into a research and development coiiaboration to develop novel synthetic routes for the manufacture ofcompiexfine chemicals and pharmaceutical compounds based on applied catalysis A: General
their respective capabilities in chemical and biochemical catalysis. Fine chemical and pharmaceutical compounds, including chiral compounds, are typically manufactured using multistep routes that frequently require expensive and difficult-to-handle chemicals. The two companies believe that the combination of Catalytica’s skills in chemical catalysis with those of Genzyme in biochemical catalysis can improve process economics, manufacturing safety and environmental compatibility. Products developed by the partnership will be produced and marketed utilizing the combined capabiliiies and facilities of both companies. Products currently under development will be sold through Genzyme’s Pharmaceuticals and Fine Chemicals Division The Pharmaceuticals and Fine Chemicals Division of Genzyme (Cambridge, MA) operates a GMP and FDA-inspected bulk drug manufacturing facility in Haverhill, United Kingdom, and markets specialty fine chemicals, pharmaceutical intermediates, and bulk drugs to the pharmaceutical industry worldwide. Its focus is on high value, complex molecules including synthetic phosphoiipids, substituted indoles and chirai intermediates. Catalytica, located in Mountain View, is developing economical and innovative catalytic technologies for the primary prevention of pollution. The company is focused on three main areas: clean combustion systems, process technologies and fine chemicals. in clean combustion, the company is developing a catalytic combustion system for natural gas turbines used to generate electricity. In the area of process technologies, the company is developing a safer, more economi-
Volume 100 No. 1 - 1 July 1993
carried out by Catalytica and partners, Petro-Canada and Techmocisco Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Oil Co. Catalytica feel that the key factor in the conversion is the generation of methyl bisuiphate, which under reaction conditions is less reactive than methane itself.
Hotiologatlon of Primary Alcohols Alcohols synthesis continues to attract attention and one specific conversion of great interest is the conversion of methanol to ethanol by direct means. Despite much effort, a single step process combining process simplicity with high seiectivii has remained largely elusive. However G. Jenner suggests (J. Mol. Catal., 80 (1993) Ll 1) that ruthenium complexes may offer an answer by permitting conversion of aikyi formates to the corresponding higher alcohoi. Ru3 (CO)12is used in combination with RudPBr, B&P and HCI. The selectivities obtained appear to be an improvement on those reported in former iodine-based homoiogation processes. At about 200°C methyl formate conversion reached over 99% and an ethanol selectivity of 80.0% was reported. MS. SCURRELL
Catalytica-Genzyme
Collaboration
Catalytica inc. and Genzyme Corp. have announced that they have entered into a research and development coiiaboration to develop novel synthetic routes for the manufacture ofcompiexfine chemicals and pharmaceutical compounds based on applied catalysis A: General
their respective capabilities in chemical and biochemical catalysis. Fine chemical and pharmaceutical compounds, including chiral compounds, are typically manufactured using multistep routes that frequently require expensive and difficult-to-handle chemicals. The two companies believe that the combination of Catalytica’s skills in chemical catalysis with those of Genzyme in biochemical catalysis can improve process economics, manufacturing safety and environmental compatibility. Products developed by the partnership will be produced and marketed utilizing the combined capabiliiies and facilities of both companies. Products currently under development will be sold through Genzyme’s Pharmaceuticals and Fine Chemicals Division The Pharmaceuticals and Fine Chemicals Division of Genzyme (Cambridge, MA) operates a GMP and FDA-inspected bulk drug manufacturing facility in Haverhill, United Kingdom, and markets specialty fine chemicals, pharmaceutical intermediates, and bulk drugs to the pharmaceutical industry worldwide. Its focus is on high value, complex molecules including synthetic phosphoiipids, substituted indoles and chirai intermediates. Catalytica, located in Mountain View, is developing economical and innovative catalytic technologies for the primary prevention of pollution. The company is focused on three main areas: clean combustion systems, process technologies and fine chemicals. in clean combustion, the company is developing a catalytic combustion system for natural gas turbines used to generate electricity. In the area of process technologies, the company is developing a safer, more economi-
Volume 100 No. 1 - 1 July 1993