Epoxidation of olefins - using an oxidisable copper cpd as catalyst which can be regenerated

摘要

The olefin (ethylene, propylene) is epoxidised by passing it as vapour with O2 at 300 degrees C (pref. 150-250 degrees C) over a solid material contg. a Cu cpd. (on a support, e.g. alumina) in which the Cu is in a low oxidn. state, and the epoxide product is sepd. The Cu cpd. is periodically regenerated by reduction of the solid material and can then be recycled. It is obtd. by redn. of a Cu salt (contg. oxyanions of an inorganic oxyaxid). Regeneration is performed with H2 or CO in presence of the olefin before 30% of its selectivity is lost. Molar ratio of olefin/O2 is 10/1-100/1.