1. Thermodynamics of hydration

The hydration of olefins belongs to the classic group of balanced exothermic reactions, i.e. with entropy reduction. It also takes place with a reduction in the number of molecules. The formation of alcohols by direct hydration therefore requires the reaction to be carried out at the lowest temperature compatible with the kinetic requirements, conditioned by the activity of the catalyst, and at the highest possible pressure when operating in the gas phase.

Maximum conversion conditions depend on the relative stabilities of alcohols and olefins. The equilibrium constants, expressed in terms of activity, and their variation with temperature, can be calculated from the entropies and vapor-phase enthalpies of formation of the equilibrium constituents, available in the literature [1] . The heats of reaction...