Synthesis of epoxidation catalyst on the metallic molybdenum base

Synthesis of the propilen epoxydation catalyst was described. Interaction of metalic molybdenum with ethylbenzol hydroperoxide in presence of the ethyl alcohol is complex reaction in which molybdenum is simultaneously acting as the catalyst of the hydroperoxide decomposition and as the reagent, which is reacting with decomposition products. This reaction is not autocatalytic, it's speed depends on the molybdenum surface in the reaction volume. Low-molecular alcohol, introduced into reacting mixture decreases stability of hydroperoxide (probably due to formation of alcohol-hydroperoxide associates). In the presence of low-molecular alcohol decomposition of the hydroxide on the niobium surface takes place by more advantageous way from the energetic point of view. Activation energy in the process decreases by 8-10 Cal/mol. In the composition of the complex compound, formed in the reaction, molybdenum in the oxidized form and ligands, maintaining hydrocarbon skeleton of the hydroperoxide (possibly acetophenon) were found. Presence of the alkoxy residiums (low-molecular alcohol) was not found in the composition of the complex