Noncatalytic Cannizzaro-type Reaction of Formaldehyde in Hot Water (INTERFACE SCIENCE-Solutions and Interfaces)

Abstract

In water at 250 °C and 4 MPa, methanol and formic acid are produced from the disproportionation reaction of formaldehyde without a catalyst, although at mild conditions, this reaction usually occurs in the presence of a large amount of base catalyst. Formic acid further undergoes the hydride transfer reaction with formaldehyde, and the final yield of methanol exceeds 50%.