Oxidation of Propylene over Mercuric Chloride-Active Charcoal Catalyst

Abstract

Oxidation of propylene over mercuric chloride-active charcoal catalyst was studied in the presence of steam and air. The reaction proceeded catalytically only when active charcoal was used as a carrier. Main products were acrolein and carbon dioxide, and small amounts of acetone, 2-propanol and acetaldehyde were also formed. It is suggested by the dependence of reaction rate upon the partial pressures of components of feed gas and the effect of the amounts of supported mercuric chloride that the reaction proceeds through σ-complex and σ-ally1 complex. The reduction products of mercuric chloride formed during the oxidation reaction seem to be re-oxidized to mercuric salt by the catalytic action of active charcoal.