Process optimization of a catalyzed bleach oxidation for the production of functionalized aldehydes using microreaction technology

This paper presents results of a parameter study on the homogeneously catalyzed oxidation of 2-butoxyethanol to 2-butoxyacetaldehyde. The original recipe, developed for a batch process, was successfully transferred to a continuous microreaction process to provide a better control on the suppression of the unwanted subsequent oxidation to 2-butoxyacetic acid. For the investigation of the global reaction kinetics a new type of passive mixing microreactor was developed that allows variation of the internal hold-up and thus residence time. A systematic screening of process parameters showed a combined impact of residence time and introduced mixing energy on the reaction progress. By improving mixing quality in the microreactor the macroscopic reaction rate was increased compared to the lab-scale batch process.