PHENOL ACETONE COGENERATION VIA SOLID ACID CATALYSIS/

Phenol/acetone cogeneration via cumene hydroperoxide (CHP) cleavage ha s been demonstrated using various classes of novel solid acid catalyst s. Mineral acid-treated montmorillonite silica-alumina clays, heteropo ly acids impregnated into Group TV oxide supports, fluorophosphoric ac id and HF-treated oxides, as well as montmorillonite clays modified wi th heteropoly acids or certain Lewis acids, are each effective. The in fluence of solid acid structure upon phenol yields has been examined w hile minimizing by-product acetophenone, 2-methylstyrene, 2-phenyl-2-p ropanol, mesityl oxide formation, etc. For the more promising candidat es, decomposition of 80% CHP solutions in continuous, plug-flow reacto r systems, under mild conditions (ca. 60 degrees C at LHSVs approximat e to 10) has been realized. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.