Epoxide isomerization catalysts

摘要

Improved catalysts for isomerizing epoxides to allylic alcohols are disclosed. The catalysts contain lithium phosphate supported on high-purity silica. The use of high-purity silica as a support results in improved epoxide conversion and allylic alcohol selectivity, and reduced by-product generation. The invention includes a process for isomerizing epoxides using the catalysts. The process is well-suited to the manufacture of allyl alcohol from propylene oxide.