MOLYBDENUM/ALKALI METAL/ETHYLENE GLYCOL COMPLEX USEFUL AS EPOXIDIZING CATALYST, ITS PRODUCTION AND PRODUCTION OF PROPYLENE OXIDE AND TERT-BUTYL ALCOHOL USING THE SAME

摘要

Complexes are made by reacting a solid ammonium-molybdate and a solid alkali metal molybdate with ethylene glycol. Stripping of water of reaction subsequent to complex formation is preferred. The ratio of moles of alkylene glycol to total gram atoms of molybdenum should be in the range from about 7:1 to about 20:1 and the ratio of gram atoms of molybdenum in the ammonium molybdate to gram atoms of molybdenum in the alkali metal molybdenum should be in the range of about 1:1 to about 20:1. Solutions of the complexes are excellent catalysts for the reaction of propylene with an organic hydroperoxide such as tertiary butyl hydroperoxide to form propylene oxide and tertiary butyl alcohol.