Heterogeneous catalytic oxidation of organophosphonate esters

摘要

A method of catalytic oxidation of organophosphonate esters includes introducing the organophosphonate esters in gaseous form into contact with a molybdenum catalyst and effecting such introduction in the presence of oxygen to cause the organophosphonate ester to be oxidized on the molybdenum catalyst surface. The process is preferably carried out at a temperature of at least 900 DEG K. in the presence of excess oxygen. A chemisorbed oxide coating or molybdenum oxide coating or both may be established on all or part of the molybdenum catalyst. Among the organophosphonate esters which may be oxidized in this manner are dimethyl methylphosphonate, diisopropyl methylphosphonate, diphenyl methylphosphonate, and other molecules with the structure: <IMAGE> The catalytic oxidation results in emission of carbon monoxide and phosphorus oxides(s) without undesired buildup of carbonaceous or phosphorus overlayers on the Mo catalyst surface.