ALKYLENE OXIDE PRODUCTION USING VAPOR PHASE OXIDATION OF AN ALKANE OR OLEFIN IN MOLTEN SALT FOLLOWED BY A LIQUID PHASE CO-OXIDATION OF SAID OLEFIN AND AN ALDEHYDE IN AN ORGANIC SOLVENT

摘要

A two phase process for the oxidation of olefins to produce alkylene oxides in increased yields while reducing or substantially eliminating the formation of aldehydes and producing, in place thereof, more desirable carboxylic acids. The first step is a vapor phase oxidation of an alkane or olefin in a molten salt catalyst to produce alkylene oxide and high amounts of aldehyde by-products. The second step is a liquid phase co-oxidation of the olefin and the aldehyde by-products, in an inert organic solvent, to co-oxidize both reactants and form additional amounts of the alkylene oxide and carboxylic acid as a by-product.