Kinetic modeling of vapor-phase oxidation of 1-phenylethanol over thorium molybdate

Abstract

Vapor-phase oxidation of I-phenylethanol over thorium molybdate catalyst forms acetophenone as sole product.The kinetics of the reaction is investigated in a differential flow reactor at $473 \leq T \leq 573 K$.Twenty-four different formulations were tried in an attempt to model the reaction, and the rate equation - $r_ A$ = $k_A$$k_o$$P_A$$^mp_O$$^n/$$(K_OP_O$$^n + Nk_AP_A$$^m)$ has been found to adequately represent the data. A kinetic comparison of ferric and thorium molybdate systems suggests that the ferric ion acts as an oxygen carrier.The unique role of hexavalent molybdenum in attracting and oxidizing the alcohol is explained.