Comparison of Reaction Pathways for the Partial Oxidation of Propane over Vanadyl Ion-Exchanged Zeolite Beta and Mo1V0.3Te0.23Nb0.12Ox

The reaction pathways for the oxidation of propane over VO-H-beta and Mo1V0.3Te0.23Nb0.12Ox are investigated. Two methods are used in this study: (i) overall product selectivities are recorded as a function of conversion, and (ii) those species observed or speculated to exist are reacted individually over the catalysts. With VO-H-beta, propene is the primary product of propane oxidation and acetic acid is a sequential oxidation product of the propene, possibly forming through an acetone intermediate. Mo1V0.3Te0.23Nb0.12Ox also gives propene as the primary product of propane oxidation, and the propene thus formed oxidizes further to acrylic acid and acetone. Reactions of individual oxygenated compounds, e.g., propanal, acrolein, etc., confirm the superior oxidation features of the mixed metal oxide catalyst relative to the zeolite-based catalyst.