Adkins-Peterson reaction
Encyclopedia
The Adkins-Peterson reaction is the air oxidation of methanol
to formaldehyde
with metal oxide catalysts such as iron oxide
, molybdenum trioxide or combinations thereof.
It was developed by Homer Burton Adkins
and Wesley R. Peterson.
Methanol
Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol, wood alcohol, wood naphtha or wood spirits, is a chemical with the formula CH3OH . It is the simplest alcohol, and is a light, volatile, colorless, flammable liquid with a distinctive odor very similar to, but slightly sweeter than, ethanol...
to formaldehyde
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is an organic compound with the formula CH2O. It is the simplest aldehyde, hence its systematic name methanal.Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a characteristic pungent odor. It is an important precursor to many other chemical compounds, especially for polymers...
with metal oxide catalysts such as iron oxide
Iron oxide
Iron oxides are chemical compounds composed of iron and oxygen. All together, there are sixteen known iron oxides and oxyhydroxides.Iron oxides and oxide-hydroxides are widespread in nature, play an important role in many geological and biological processes, and are widely utilized by humans, e.g.,...
, molybdenum trioxide or combinations thereof.
It was developed by Homer Burton Adkins
Homer Burton Adkins
Dr. Homer Burton Adkins, Ph.D. was an American chemist who studied the hydrogenation of organic compounds.-Life and work:...
and Wesley R. Peterson.