Vapor Phase Oxidation of Propylene with Air

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Study was made on catalytic action of Cu-Ag-SiO2 as used in synthesis of acrolein from propylene-vapor phase oxidation with air. The catalyst was prepared by calcination followed by activation of silica gel impregnated with aqueous solution of nitrates of copper and silver. The calcination was carried out for 3 hours at temperatures ranging from 800 to 900°C to obtain the most desirable surface condition. The activation was accomplished by reducing the calcined catalyst with hydrogen or propylene at 340°C for 2 hours. The catalyst thus prepared was tested for activity using a mixed feed composed of propylene (27.5%), oxygen (7.8%), nitrogen (34.6%) and steam (30.1%) at space velocity of 4, 100∼4, 200hr-1. The catalyst reduced with propylene gave the maximum conversion of propylene of 6.2% at 330°C and the best selectivity for acrolein of 58% at 310°C. The catalyst reduced with hydrogen was found to give the conversion of 6.5% with the selectivity of 50% at 310°C. These experimental results led us to an assumption that the selectivity depends on the surface condition of carrier and Cu-Ag components and that the rate of conversion depends on reduction of catalyst.