Epoxidation of styrene by anhydrous hydrogen peroxide over boehmite and alumina catalysts with continuous removal of the reaction water

Abstract

Boehmite and alumina (obtained from the boehmite by its calcination at different temperatures 300-900°C) are active and stable catalysts for the selective epoxidation of styrene by anhydrous H₂O₂ to styrene oxide with continuous removal of the reaction water. Influence of the catalyst (boehemite) calcination temperature, H₂O₂/styrene ratio and catalyst loading on the styrene conversion and selectivity for styrene oxide, phenyl acetaldehyde, benzaldehyde and benzoic acid in the epoxidation has been investigated. In the presence of water, the catalyst shows very poor activity and selectivity in the epoxidation. The catalyst also catalyses H₂O₂ decomposition and hence has optimum loading for obtaining high-styrene conversion in the epoxidation.