Production of Propylene Oxide by Homogeneous Chain Reaction Initiated by Supported Ti-oxide and Mo-oxide Radical Generators

Effective Ti and Mo catalysts were found for vapor phase propylene oxide synthesis, one of the most challenging targets in heterogeneous catalysis. The observation of a remarkable post-catalytic bed volume (empty space after the catalyst bed) effect indicated that the reaction pathway was a combination of surface radical generation and a homogeneous chain reaction. TEM analysis indicated that the Mo catalyst consisted of oxide crystallites of about 2-3 nm diameter on a SiO 2 support. The catalytic activity was stable for 12 h, and indicated a promising catalytic system.