Oxidation of propane to acrylic acid on V 2O 5&P 2O 5-based catalysts

Abstract

V 2O 5P 2O 5-based oxides were found to be effective as catalysts for the partial oxidation of propane, using gaseous oxygen as an oxidant. Acrylic acid was the sole product other than carbon oxides. The best results for the formation of acrylic acid are obtained with this Te/P/V atomic ratio; 0.10−0.15/1.15/1 oxide catalysts. The yield of acrylic acid attains 10.5 mol%. As the extent of the reaction increases, the selectivity steadily decreases, while the yield first increases and then attains a maximum at a propane conversion of about 50%. The rate of reaction increases with an increase in the concentrations of both oxygen and propane, while it remains almost unchanged with the addition of water vapor to the feed gas. On the other hand, for the formation of acrylic acid, higher concentrations of oxygen and water vapor, a lower concentration of propane, and a lower reaction temperature are found to be favorable.