Gas Phase Epoxidation of Propene by Nitrous Oxide over Silica-Supported Iron Oxide Catalysts

Catalysts consisting of sodium-promoted silica gel-supported iron oxide were found to catalyze the gas phase epoxidation of propene by nitrous oxide. Selectivities to propene oxide of 40–60% at propene conversions in the range of 6–12% were observed. The influence of different parameters on the yield to propene oxide is discussed: the amount and the dispersity of iron oxide, the procedure of alkali promotion, the morphology of the support, and the reaction parameters.