GB1176669A - Process for the Electrochemical Production of Olefin Oxides. - Google Patents

Abstract

1,176,669. Electro-chemical production of olefin oxides. FARBENFABRIKEN BAYER A. G. Dec.30, 1966 [Jan. 25, 1966], No. 58279/66. Heading C7B. In a process for the electro-chemical conversion of an olefin, i.e. a gaseous mono-olefin such as ethylene, propylene or butylene, or a halogenated mono-olefin such as allyl chloride, into an olefin oxide in a system consisting of an anode, a cathode and a diaphragm arranged therebetween, and in the presence of an aqueous electrolyte containing a metal halide which is passed from the anode compartment through the diaphragm into the cathode compartment, a gaseous mixture of the olefin to be reacted and at least one gas inert to the reaction is introduced into the anode compartment, the concentration of the olefin in the gas mixture being between 25% and 75% by volume, and the feedrate of the olefin being such that from 75% to 95% of the olefin introduced is converted in a single pass of the gas mixture through the anode compartment. The olefin is converted into olefin halohydrin at the anode, which passes through the diaphragm to the cathode compartment where it is converted into the olefin oxide. Unconverted olefin, inert gas and gaseous products are withdrawn from the anode compartment and may subsequently be recycled to the anode compartment or may be used as a fuel. Prior to recycling any halogen compounds may be removed therefrom. The anode may comprise graphite, or titanium coated with a noble metal or oxide thereof; and may be porous, the gas mixture being supplied therethrough. A wire gauze cathode may be used. The diaphragm may be of asbestos, polyfluorohydrocarbons, polyolefins,. polystyrenes, polyacrylonitrile or polyvinyl compounds and may be formed as a porous plate or woven or non-woven fabrics.