Reactivity and Spectroscopic Studies of Cu Containing Mixed Metal Oxides for Vapor-Phase Methanol and Ethanol Coupling Reactions

CuMgAlO_x is more active and stable than MgAlO_x. Cu is well-dispersed in the oxides as determined by a novel TPR/UV–visible spectroscopy methodology. C-C coupling selectivity is reduced because Cu catalyzes dehydrogenation, decomposition, water-gas shift, and esterification reactions. The latter reaction appears to be responsible for the catalyst increased stability.