Acetone → Alpha-Methylstyrene

Participants

Reaction Steps

Substantial quantities of α-methyl styrene (AMS) are produced as a byproduct in the cumene-phenol peroxidation process. Purified cumene is oxidized to form cumene hydroperoxide (CHP) which is then cleaved to phenol and acetone. A small amount of AMS is produced as a byproduct from the decomposition of dimethylbenzyl alcohol which is also formed with CHP in the oxidation step. The AMS can either be recovered as a byproduct or hydrogenated to cumene and recycled to the phenol process. Since the market for AMS is limited, hydrogenation to cumene is the usual option. The typical composition of the cumene/AMS stream is 5 to 80% AMS with trace amounts of methyl benzofuran, mesityl oxide and acetophenone.

Provenance & Evidence