Selective Oxidation of Methyl Ethyl Ketone to Diacetyl Over Vanadium Phosphorus Oxide Catalysts

E. McCullagh, J. B. McMonagle, B. K. Hodnett

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Selective oxidation of methyl ethyl ketone to diacetyl has been studied by passing a mixture of the ketone in artificial air over vanadium phosphorus oxide catalysts in the temperature range 200–350°C. Products observed included diacetyl, methyl vinyl ketone, acetaldehyde, acetic acid and carbon dioxide. C4 products were favoured at low temperatures and at low or zero oxygen partial pressures. These results are rationalised in terms of two pathways for C2 products, namely oxidation of the double bond in the enol form of methyl ethyl ketone to yield acetic acid and acetaldehyde, and acid catalysed hydration of the keto form to yield acetaldehyde only. The C4 products are envisaged to go through a common intermediate, namely, CH3COCHOHCH3, formed by interaction between methyl ethyl ketone and lattice oxygen.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)437-444
Number of pages8
JournalStudies in Surface Science and Catalysis
Volume59
Issue numberC
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 1991

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