Catalyst cleans up C-C bond formation

Researchers in the US have developed an iridium catalyst that promotes carbon-carbon bond formation between methanol and allenes. The process enables direct conversion of methanol to higher alcohols, with no byproducts.

With a global annual production exceeding 35 million tonnes, methanol has the potential to be an attractive carbon feedstock for chemical production. At present, methanol is generated from methane via synthesis gas, a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. It can also be produced renewably from the gasification of cellulose.  More...

http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2011/February/27021101.asp