Selective oxidation of n-butane to maleic anhydride by model VPO catalysts

Abstract

The selective oxidation of n-butane to maleic anhydride was studied using two model vanadium-phosphorus-oxygen catalysts, β-VOPO 4 and (VO) 2P 2O 7. Detailed information concerning the synthesis and characterization of these phases was developed, which indicated the sensitivity of the syntheses to preparation procedures. New information regarding the possible reaction pathway was provided by the detection of 1-butene, 2-butenes, and 1,3-butadiene simultaneously with the production of maleic anhydride. The stability of the pure phases under reaction conditions was examined using in situ laser Raman spectroscopy.