Oxidising alkanols to acids - with large amounts of cobalt catalysts and without aldehyde injection

摘要

Primary >=5 C alkanols (I) are oxidised with molecular O2 using 0.35-0.75 (pref. 0.4-0.5) g.ion active Co3+ per mole I at 40-70 degrees (esp. 60 degrees)C and under 0.1-50 (esp. 1-10)atm. O2 partial pressure, without addition of an aldehyde. Acids are used in manufacture of ester lubricants; myristic and catalytic acids are vehicles and unguents for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Yields are >=95%, i.e. higher than in process using less Co where an aldehyde is added to the reaction mixture.