Homogeneous Redox Catalysts Based on Heteropoly Acid Solutions: IV. Tests of Methyl Ethyl Ketone Synthesis Catalysts in the Presence of Equipment Corrosion Products (Metal Cations)

The effect of equipment corrosion products (transition metal cations) on the physicochemical and catalytic properties of a homogeneous Pd(II)+HPA-x (Mo–V–P heteropoly acid containing x vanadium atoms) catalyst developed for the two-stage oxidation of n-butene to methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) with oxygen has been studied. The thermal stability of a solution of a catalyst based on HPA-x in the presence of transition metal cations has been determined. The composition of the two-component catalyst recommended for pilot testing of the MEK process has been optimized.