Propylene Oxide (Co-Product Styrene)

Abstract

In this process the hydroperoxide intermediate is used to add an oxygen atom to the propylene. The hydroperoxide itself is made simply by direct oxidation of ethylbenzene with air. The reactors operate at about 3 bar and 140-150'C. The peroxide product passes to the epoxidation reactors where it reacts with propylene. The reacting pressure and temperature are kept at 23.5 to 25.5 bar and 115'C respectively. The ratio of propylene to EBHP is 5.12 which gives a selectivity of propylene to propylene oxide of 91 percent at 14.5 percent conversion.