Butane → Phthalic Anhydride

Participants

Reaction Steps

Catalyst B was prepared as in the preceding example, but with a P/V ratio of 1.15, and by adding bismuth nitrate at the same time as the vanadium oxide, in a Bi/V ratio of 0.1. In this case, in addition to the VOHPO4-0.5H2O phase, the precursor contained a BiPO4 phase. The catalyst was activated in a stream of 1.7% of butane in air. After activation, the catalyst contained the phases (VO)2P2O7 and BiPO4. The butanol was supplied in the stream of air so as to produce a partial pressure of butanol of 1%. At approximately 360° C., the yield of maleic anhydride was in the range 50% to 60%. As the temperature was progressively increased, yields of phthalic anhydride in the range 10% to 20% were observed intermediate between 250° C. and 350° C.

Provenance & Evidence