IE34755L - Preparing olefin oxide. - Google Patents

Abstract

1308350 Olefin oxides INTEROXO AG 23 Nov 1970 [24 Nov 1969 30 Sept 1970] 55695/70 Heading C2C [Also in Division C7] Olefin oxides are prepared by electrolysing an aqueous solution containing acetate ions, mixing the anolyte so obtained with an olefin, and separating olefin oxide from the resulting effluent. The acetate is preferably one or more acetates of Cu, Co, Th, Ni, Ag, or Li, optionally mixed with acetic acid, and the solution preferably contains a complexing agent, e.g. a nitrogen containing heterocyclic compound such as 1,3,4, triazole, imidazole, pyrazole or a pyridine; the solution may contain 0À5 wt. per cent to just below saturation of acetate ; the preferred olefin is propylene. The olefin is either introduced directly into the cell near the anode, e.g. through a glass frit to cause small bubbles, or mixed with the anolyte in a separate reactor, the anolyte preferably being continuously circulated. Separation of the olefin oxide from unconverted olefin is by refrigeration. The cell used is conventional, with a diaphragm or ion-exchange membrane; the anode may be of Pt, Ru, oxidized Ru, platinized or Ru-coated Ti; oxidized Ru-coated Ti, or lead oxide-coated Ti, and is porous if olefin is fed direct to the cell; the cathode may be of stainless steel or Ni, and the electrolyte may be continuously circulated to ensure uniform temperature. Room temperature may be used, and a current density of 100-500 A/ft<SP>2</SP>. and atmospheric pressure; however other pressures may be used and where anolyte-olefin contact takes place outside the cell, the reaction vessel and cell may be at different temperature and pressure. [GB1308350A]