Oxidation reactions in the synthesis of fine and intermediate chemicals
using environmentally benign oxidants and the right reactor system
Wolfgang F. Hoelderich** and Felix Kollmer
Department of Chemical Technology and Heterogeneous
Catalysis, University of Technology, RWTH Aachen, Worringerweg 1, 52074
Aachen, Germany
Abstract: This review outlines several approaches for designing
new and environmentally friendly heterogeneously catalyzed oxidation
processes for the synthesis of fine and intermediate chemicals. Environmentally
benign oxidants such as molecular oxygen, hydrogen peroxide or nitrous
oxide can be activated on suitable heterogeneous catalysts showing high
activity and selectivity toward the desired oxygenated products. Several
examples illustrate that features known from the synthesis of bulk chemicals
can successfully be applied for manufacturing intermediate and specialty
chemicals applying conventional industrial reactor systems. Direct oxidation
of isoprenol, b-picoline, and benzene are chosen as examples for continuous
gas-phase processes, oxidation of pinene and propylene as examples for
semi-continuous or batchwise processes in the liquid phase.
** corresponding author
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