Selective Oxidation of n-Butane for Maleic Anhydride Production

Selective Oxidation of n-Butane for Maleic Anhydride Production 

The processes from -butane have been used industrially since the 1970s and the key factor for the success of this technology has been the development of the right catalyst (a vanadium-phosphorous mixed oxide), that is still the only option available in the industry. 

Mario NovelUy Maurizio Leonardi and Carlotta Cortelli 

Depending on the employed technologies (fixed or fluid bed) the -butane selectivity varies from 65 to 53% molar, and MA conversions for both technologies does not exceed 90%. 

The use of -butane instead of benzene leads to many advantages  

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