Ferric molybdate—A catalyst for the oxidation of toluene

Abstract

Production of benzaldehyde has been carried out by vapour phase oxidation of toluene over silica supported ferric molybdate catalyst, at different support/ catalyst ratio. The temperature, concentration of the catalyst and space-velocities were varied over a wide range with each catalyst. The best results were obtained with ferric molybdate (60%) supported on SiO2 at a temperature of 450°C, space velocity 10373±20 litre hour−1 litre−1, air/toluene ratio 610 and volume of the catalyst 20 cc. The yield of benzaldehyde on the basis of toluene reacted is 70·2% per pass, total conversion 34·9% and conversion to benzaldehyde is 24·5%, surface area and pore size structure of the catalyst was determined by gravimetric method using quartz fibre spring technique.