US 6,765,101 B1 · Synthesis of lower alkylene oxides and lower alkylene glycols from lower alkanes and/or lower alkenes

Abstract

A method and apparatus for synthesizing at least one of alkylene oxides and alkylene glycols from lower alkanes and/or lower alkenes. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a lower alkane/alkene supply; an oxygen supply for providing a source of oxygen; and a metal oxide catalytic reactor. The metal oxide catalytic reactor includes a reactor chamber; and a catalyst in the chamber for reacting the lower alkane/alkene supply with the source of oxygen to convert the lower alkane/alkene by selective partial oxidation to at least one of the alkylene oxides and alkylene glycols. Also, in the preferred embodiment, a separator, downstream from the reactor, separates the alkylene oxides and alkylene glycols from the total product stream and the unconverted reactants.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A method for synthesizing at least one of alkylene oxides and alkylene glycols from lower alkanes and/or lower alkenes, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a source of lower alkane/alkene;
(b) providing a source of oxygen;
and
(c) reacting said source of lower alkane/alkene with said source of oxygen to convert said lower alkane/alkene by selective partial oxidation in the presence of a catalyst to at least one of said alkylene oxides and alkylene glycols.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Synthesis of lower alkylene oxides and lower alkylene glycols from lower alkanes and/or lower alkenes

Life of this patent

Synthesis of lower alkylene oxides and lower alkylene glycols from lower alkanes and/or lower alkenes

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15