PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF UNSATURATED ACIDS

摘要

- i PATENT APPLICATION OF Harold Krieger and Lawrence S. Kirch for PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF UNSATURATED ACIDS Docket No. 75-120 By: JJD/ceb (6936C/121z) A process for the direct oxidation of isobutane or propane to methacrylic acid or acrylic acid respectively is disclosed. The process encompases contacting a feed gas containing isobutane or propane and oxygen with a specific catalyst which is composed of molybdenum, antimony and phosphorus combined with oxygen. The atomic ratio of molybdenum to antimony to phosphorus is from about 9 to about 24; about 0.25 to about 2; and about 0.75 to about 2 respectively. The catalytic oxidation to methacrylic or acrylic acid is accomplished at a temperature of from about 200.degree.C. to about 450.degree.C. The methacrylic or acrylic acid is removed from the feed gases exiting from the reaction zone and the remainder of the exited feed stream may be recycled to again contact the catalyst.