Production of oxirane compounds

摘要

An oxirane compound is produced by reacting in the liquid phase an olefin containing 3 or 4 carbon atoms with molecular oxygen in the presence of a molybdenum and/or tungsten catalyst at 50-250 DEG C. Preferred catalysts are those compounds of Mo or W which are initially soluble in the reaction mixture. A solvent such as a tertiary alcohol is preferably employed. Additionally, a basic substance, generally a compound of an alkali or alkaline earth metal giving a basic reaction in water, is employed with the catalyst in amounts ranging from 0.05 to 10 mols. per mol of metal epoxidation catalyst. Examples relate to the preparation of propylene oxide.