Catalysis for Society: Towards Improved Process Efficiency in Catalytic Selective Oxidations

Abstract

This short review documents some examples of the recent innovations in the field of catalytic selective oxidation aimed at improving process performance and process sustainability in general. Some strategies adopted in order to increase selectivity to the desired product are illustrated, including unconventional procedures for the oxidation reaction—the cyclic mode as compared to the co-feed mode—and special arrangements of the catalytic bed, as in the case of the oxidation of o-xylene to phthalic anhydride. The choice of which oxidant to use is also discussed, in relation to the process of oxidative desulphurization of gasoil.