Aerobic Oxidation of Alkylated Aromatics In Compressed / Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

Oxidation products of alkylated aromatics represent important intermediates in the production of pharmaceuticals, resins, dyes, etc.

In this work compressed / supercritical carbon dioxide is used as reaction medium for the partial oxidation of alkylated aromatics. The selectivity with respect to the alcohol, aldehyde or acid is a crucial point.

Oxygen is utilised as clean and cheap oxidant with carbon dioxide not only acting as easily removable solvent but also as diluent.

The effect of the variation of parameters e.g. temperature, pressure, reaction and residence time, respectively, on the perfomance of the nano-scale catalysts is studied, aiming for a economically and ecologically feasible process for the production of these oxidised alkylated aromatics.