Ammoximation of Cyclohexanone on Titanium Silicalite: Investigation of the Reaction Mechanism

Abstract In a series of combined adsorption, reactivity and spectroscopic experiments in solution with ketones of different size and shape, the fundamental role of the hydroxylamine pathway in the cyclohexanone ammoximation is established. In presence of H 2 O 2 and NH 3 , framework Ti(IV) forms octahedrally distorted aquohydroperoxo and ammonia-hydroperoxo mixed complexes: the latter one being the precursor of the hydroxylamine formation. This intermediate immediately reacts with cyclohexanone in the channels or diffuses to the external solution where it gives oximation reaction with larger ketones which could not penetrate the channels.