Liq. phase catalytic olefin epoxidation with hydrogen peroxide - with continuous water elimination during reaction to improve selectivity

摘要

Catalytic olefin epoxidation with H2O2 at 0-120 (70-120) degrees C takes place in liq. phase. The water, introduced with the H2O2 or formed during reaction, is removed continuously by distn., e.g. by azeotropic distn. at reduced pressure, or by entrainment. H2O removal increases selectivity to epoxide formation. In an example, removal of water in cyclohexene epoxidation with aq. 30 wt.% H2O2 using Mo acetyl acetonate as catalyst, increased selectivity from 26% with 100% H2O2 conversion to 94% with 22% H2O2 conversion.