摘要 |
A hydrocarbon derivative is produced by the vapour phase reaction of a hydrocarbon with substantially pure oxygen in the presence of a suitable catalyst in a reactor 2. The product is removed in a scrubber 8, carbon monoxide, present in the reactor effluent as a by-product, is oxidised to carbon dioxide in a converter 16 and part of the gaseous effluent, comprising mainly carbon dioxide and unreacted hydrocarbon, is recycled to the reactor 2. Removal of carbon monoxide from the recycle stream reduces the hazard of a fire or explosion in the reactor or associated equipment. The use of carbon dioxide as the principal diluent increases heat removal from the reactor, thereby increasing the production capacity of the reactor. If the hydrocarbon is benzene or a straight chain C4 hydrocarbon, e.g. butane, the product is maleic anhydride. If the hydrocarbon is o-xylene the product is phthalic anhydride. Other derivatives such as acetaldehyde, acrolein, acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, acrylic acid, vinyl chloride, and propylene oxide may alternatively be produced by appropriate selection of reactants and catalysts. <IMAGE> |