Principles of aerobic oxidation of ethylbenzene to hydroperoxide under the presence of phthalimide catalysts

Abstract

The article describes a study of basic principles of aerobic liquid-phase oxidation of ethylbenzene to hydroperoxide. According to the research, the use of phthalimide catalysts (N-hydroxyphthalimide and its derivatives) can increase the oxidation rate of this hydrocarbon by 1.5-2 times compared with initiators of different nature. At the same time, high selectivity of target hydroperoxide formation is still present - about 90%. The authors recommend conditions for oxidation of ethylbenzene in the presence of phthalimide catalysts based on experimental data. The results obtained can be used to improve the technology for co-production of propylene oxide and styrene, valuable products of the main chemical and petrochemical synthesis.