Process for the production of nitriles and anhydrides.

摘要

An improved process is provided for the production of anhydrides and nitriles from hydrocarbons by reaction with an oxygen-containing gas comprising oxygen, air or a gas enriched in oxygen relative to air and ammonia where a nitrile is desired, in the presence of a suitable catalyst. In the process, a selective separator provides recycle of a substantial portion of the unreacted hydrocarbon as well as for a controlled amount of a gaseous flame suppressor in the system. The gaseous flame suppressor comprises a substantially unreactive hydrocarbon containing 1 to 5 carbon atoms, carbon dioxide and nitrogen when present in the feed to the ammoxidation/oxidation reactor. The use of air or oxygen-enriched air in the feed to the ammoxidation/oxidation reactor is particularly advantageous from an economic view in combination with a pressure swing adsorption unit as the selective separator. The process is characterized by high selectivity to the formation of the product.