Methyl alcohol, fractional distillation oxidation

A micro-method was proposed by LeonoSl (1946). The methyl alcohol is first concentrated by fractional distillation and then carefully oxidized with a dichromate-... 

The reactor effluent is distilled and unreacted EB is recycled. The EB hydroperoxide is then reacted with propylene at 250°F and pressure in the range of 250-700 psi in the presence of a metal catalyst to produce propylene oxide and methylbenzyl alcohol B in Figure 8-7). The reactor mixture is separated by multiple fractionators. Unreacted propylene and EB are recycled. PO is recovered overhead. The methyl benzyl alcohol is easily dehydrated in the vapor stage at 450—500° F and 500 psi pressure over a titanium dioxide or silica gel catalyst to form styrene. Acephenone is one of the by-products. 

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