Studies on gas phase oxidation of propylene and acrolein

Abstract

The gas phase thermal oxidation of propylene and acrolein has been examined at temperatures of 371 and 319℃ for the mixtures of 53.4% propylene with oxygen and 43.8% acrolein with oxygen respectively by gas chromatographic analysis. By using two columns containing dioctyl phthalate and active carbon respectively, analyses have been performed to ascertain and evaluate certain intermediates and products, such as aldehydes, acid, methanol, methane, ethylene, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, etc. Infrared absorption spectra of the reacted gases have also been used to identify the products. The oxidation of propylene is discussed in the light of the two proposed mechanisms. The analytical results indicate a high ratio of acetaldehyde to formaldehyde. Therefore, propylene is considered to be oxidized to acrolein, which is oxidized through acetaldehyde to the final products.