Optimization of epoxidation by using response surface methodology (RSM) based on three-level three-factorial central composite design (CCD) was used. Response percentage of relative oxirane content (%RCO) was studied to determine the optimum reaction condition for production of polyols. The predicted value of model (85 %) was excellent in accordance to experimental value (81 %).
Catalytic ability of tungsten compounds in the reaction of hydroperoxide epoxidation of 1- octene and tert-butyl hydroperoxide decomposition was investigated. It is shown that the nature of ligand has significant effect on the catalytic activity of tungsten compounds in these reactions. It is established that boride and silicide of tungsten are the best choice for epoxidation reaction, whereas tungsten carbide exhibits poor activity. Tungsten boride is also the most active in the hydroxide decomposition reaction.
The influenceof vanadium-containing compounds as catalysts on the reaction of 1-octene epoxidation by tert-butyl hydroperoxide and the decomposition of this hydroperoxide was investigated. It is shown that the catalytic activity of vanadium compounds depends on catalyst ligand nature. It is established that vanadium boride and carbide are the most active catalysts for hydroperoxide epoxidation, while V2O5 is the most active catalyst oftert-butyl hydroxide decomposition. The highest selectivity of 1,2-epoxyoctene formation is observed when VC is used as a catalyst.
The epoxidation of oleic acid was carried out by using in situ generated performic acid (HCOOOH) to produce epoxidized oleic acid. Performic acid was formed by mixing formic acid (as oxygen carrier) and hydrogen peroxide (as oxygen donor). The epoxide ring is very reactive, especially in the presence of acidic condition making the epoxide a suitable intermediate for synthesis of other chemicals. The most likely side reaction that occurred in the in situ epoxidation is the reaction of oxirane ring with formic acid, which led to formation of diol and a-glycol as side products.