Process for the production of a phenol and a carbonyl compound by the catalyzed decomposition of an aromatic hydroperoxide

摘要

The invention relates to a process in which an aromatic hydroperoxide of formula: ##STR1## wherein independently R.sub.1 is methyl or ethyl, R. sub.2 is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, or where R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 together form an alicyclic ring of 5 or 6 carbon atoms, R.sub. 3 is hydrogen or alkyl and R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are hydrogen, alkyl or together form an automatic ring, n is 0, 1 or 2 and n.sup.1 is 1 or 2, is converted to a phenol and a carbonyl compound in a catalyzed cleavage decomposition reaction. In particular cumene hydroperoxide is converted to phenol and acetone. Instead of removing the decomposition products from the reactor in the liquid phase and dissipating the reaction heat as in prior art processes the heat is used to remove the phenol and the carbonyl compound in the vapor phase leaving a liquid residue of higher- boiling compounds and catalyst in the case where a liquid cleavage catalyst is employed. Although a wide range of both solid and liquid cleavage catalysts may be used sulphuric acid is preferred. Various additives, including the hydrocarbon from which the hydroperoxide is derived and polar reaction products may be added. Typical reaction conditions are temperatures in the range 120 to 200 C. and either atmospheric or sub- atmospheric pressure. The process of the invention avoids the conventional catalyst neutralization and removal steps.