Electrolytic synthesis of propene oxide from propene and water in the gas phase

Direct synthesis of propene oxide was demonstrated by electrolytic oxidatio n of propene and water in the gas phase at atmospheric pressure and room te mperature. The Pt-black anode was the especially active one for the electro lytic epoxidation of propene among the anodes made from precious metals (Ru , Rh, Pd, Pt, and Au). Oxidation states of the surface of Pt affected the f ormation rate of propene oxide and the product selectivities. The anode mad e from PtO2 and graphite (3:1) was good for the propene oxide synthesis (75 % selectivity). (C) 1999 The Electrochemical Society. S1099-0062(98)09-021- X. All rights reserved.