Rates in Commodity and Heterogeneous Epoxidation Processes

CATALYSTS AND RATES IN COMMODITY AND HETEROGENEOUS EPOXIDATION PROCESSES 

Various catalysts are used in different commodity epoxidation processes at diverse conditions. Important characteristics are the space time yield based on the weight of epoxide formed per kilogram of catalyst, and the TOF as a measure of the intrinsic activity per active surface metal atom (Table 1.4). In Table 1.4 and other tables in this chapter, conversion is always based on the reactant olefin and not on the oxidant, unless specified. Selectivity refers to the epoxide product, and yield to the product of conversion and selectivity, unless defined otherwise. 

EO is mainly produced by the direct oxidation of ethylene with air or oxygen in a packed-bed, multi tubular reactor with recycle [2]. Catalysts for EO production 

Propylene Halcon styrene monomer process Mo naphthenate + K naphthenate promoter/EBHP 90 °C, 10 bar conv. hydroperoxide 92%, select. 90%. Yield = 72 g kg Mo h- TOP = 0.11 s [101] 

Space time yield (g of epoxide per kg catalyst per hour). 

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