Synthesis of titanium chabazite: a new shape selective oxidation catalyst with small pore openings and application in the production of methyl formate from methanol

A new titanium silicate oxidation catalyst (Ti-CHA) and a bifunctional titanium aluminum silicate catalyst (Ti-Al-CHA) with the chabazite (CHA) topology have been synthesized. The materials have a 3-dimensional channel system with small pore openings that enable shape selective oxidation catalysis. The new Ti-Al-CHA material facilitates a high conversion of methanol to methyl formate with a selectivity of 85 % at 60 °C, using H2O2 as the oxidation agent.