Process for preparing alkanones and alkanols
AssigneeDsm N.V.
InventorsUbaldus F. Kragten, Henricus A. C. Baur
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Abstract
An improved process for preparing alkanones and alkanols by oxidizing an alkane and/or alkene having from 3 to 30 carbon atoms to form an oxidation mixture containing alkylhydroperoxide. A basic, aqueous solution is added to the oxidation mixture so that a separate basic water phase with a pH higher than 8.5 is formed. The alkylhydroperoxide is then decomposed in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst which contains a metal compound immobilized on a carrier material. The metal of the catalyst is selected from the group consisting of Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu. The carrier material is stable in the presence of the separate basic water phase.
Claims19
A process for preparing an alkanone an alkanol, or a mixture thereof comprising the steps of:
- oxidizing an alkane having from 3 to 30 carbon atoms, an alkene having from 3 to 30 carbon atoms, or a mixture thereof with oxygen to form an oxidation mixture containing alkylhydroperoxide;
- combining a basic, aqueous solution with said oxidation mixture to form a separate basic water phase having a pH higher than 8.5;
- and
- decomposing said alkylhydroperoxide in the presence of a catalyst under reaction conditions effective for the formation of said alkanone, alkanol, or mixture thereof, wherein said catalyst comprises a metal oxide or metal oxide forming compound immobilized on a inorganic carrier material which is selected from the group consisting of TiO.sub.2, ZrO.sub.2, MnO.sub.2 and carbon.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.