Abstract
The catalytic activity of Fe(III)(acac)3 (Cat) in ethylbenzene oxidation with dioxygen is studied. 1-Phenylethyl hydroperoxide (PEHP), acetophenone (AP), and methyl phenyl carbinol (MPC) are the main products of the process throughout the Cat concentration range examined. Phenol (Ph) is formed in much smaller amounts. The highest PEHP selectivity, SPEHP = 65%, is observed at an ethylbenzene conversion of C ≈ 2% at low [Cat] values. PEHP and the other main oxidation products (AP and MPC) form by parallel reactions at any Cat concentration. Depending on [Cat], AP and MPC form by parallel or consecutive reactions. When [Cat] is high enough, AP results from MPC oxidation. At the initial stages of the reaction, the MPC selectivity (SMPC = 50%) exceeds the PEHP selectivity (SPEHP = 25–30%). The mechanism of ethylbenzene oxidation catalyzed by Fe(III)(acac)3 and the role of active complexes in its steps are considered.
Published Version
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