Selective partial oxidation of alkylaromatics with molecular O<sub>2</sub> is environmentally and economically highly desirable. At low temperatures, the reaction is generally slow. However, it can be achieved through co-oxidation under mild conditions. It was observed that Co-ZSM-5 catalyzed oxidation of ethylbenzene proceeds readily when cyclooctene (COE) epoxidation proceeds simultaneously, and the latter can be initiated with a Au-containing initiator. By following the kinetic profile and the product selectivity evolution using NMR and GC, s reaction network describing these coupled reaction was developed. Quantitative determination of free radicals with EPR and spin-trap experiments was used to detect presence of radical intermediates. It is believed that the primary role of Co-ZSM-5 was to activate cyclooctene-3-hydroperoxide, which is generated in-situ by the Au clusters in the catalyzed COE epoxidation reaction. The resulting radical species facilitate EB oxidation. This mechanism is different from one in which an initiator such as t-butyl hydroperoxide is used which only initiate the reaction at the beginning of the reaction.

Low temperature selective oxidation of ethylbenzene by catalyzed co-oxidation using Co-ZSM-5 and solubilized Au clusters catalysts

256th National Meeting (2018)

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