Improved propylene oxide and styrene monomer co-production procedure

摘要

The propylene oxide and styrene co-production process generates a heavy residue byproduct containing metals, mainly sodium, which previously was adequate for use only as low quality fuel. According to the invention, the heavy residue is dehydrated in the presence of a strong inorganic acid at temperatures of 150-250 DEG C and pressures below the atmospheric pressure to yield styrene and recover 2-phenylethanol, a compound used in the perfume industry, and a heavy residue substantially free of metals that may be used as fuel.