Inventors:
Richard J. Wolff - Friendswood TX, US
Kimberly A. Petry - Friendswood TX, US
Blake S. Brown - Houston TX, US
Assignee:
Lyondell Chemical Technology, L.P. - Houston TX
International Classification:
C07D 301/12, C07D 301/06
Abstract:
A process for producing propylene oxide from propylene is disclosed. The process comprises reacting propylene and an oxidant selected from the group consisting of hydrogen peroxide and oxygen in a slurry comprising a catalyst and a solvent having a boiling point of 110° C. or lower to produce a reaction mixture. The reaction mixture including the catalyst is distilled to produce a vapor stream comprising propylene, propylene oxide, and at least a portion of the solvent, and a slurry stream comprising the solvent and the catalyst. At least a portion of the slurry stream is recycled to the reaction step.