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.
