High yield, low byproduct alpha , beta -unsaturated aldehydes from olefins

摘要

The catalytic vapor phase oxidation of an olefin of 3 to 5 carbon atoms to alpha , beta -unsaturated aldehydes with the formation of substantially no alpha , beta -unsaturated acids is achieved by contacting the olefin, oxygen, an inert gas or moderator and optionally water with a catalyst at a temperature of from 300 DEG C. to 500 DEG C. for a period of time sufficient to achieve from 25 to 80% conversion of said olefin to said aldehyde, separating unreacted olefin and byproduct inert gas from the product stream and recycling the unreacted olefin and byproduct inert gas together with additional olefin and oxygen if required to react with said catalyst.