CATALYSTS FOR PARTIAL OXIDATION OF HYDROCARBONS AND METHOD OF PARTIAL OXIDATION OF HYDROCARBON

摘要

A partially-oxidizing catalyst for hydrocarbon contains gold, titanium oxide and a carrier whose specific surface area is not less than 50 m<2>/g. The carrier is preferably made from silicon oxide and/or aluminum oxide. The content of gold in the catalyst is preferably set in the range of 0.005 to 5 % by weight. Further, another partially-oxidizing catalyst for a hydrocarbon contains gold, a titanium-containing metal oxide, and at least one element selected from the group consisting of an alkaline metal, an alkaline-earth metal and thallium. With these compositions, it becomes possible to provide a partially-oxidizing catalyst for a hydrocarbon having superior activity and selectivity in partially oxidizing the hydrocarbon in the presence of hydrogen and oxygen. Moreover, a partially-oxidizing method for a hydrocarbon is used for partially oxidizing the hydrocarbon by using any of the above-mentioned partially-oxidizing catalysts in the presence of hydrogen and oxygen. This method makes it possible to manufacture an epoxide from a hydrocarbon of the olefin family and also to manufacture an alcohol and/or a ketone from a saturated hydrocarbon, with high selectivity and high conversion.