Patent ID: 7141700
Filing Date: 2006-11-28
Classification: C07C

Abstract:
1. A process for decomposing a cumene oxidation product mixture containing cumene hydroperoxide (CHP) and dimethylphenylcarbinol (DMPC) to produce phenol, acetone, and alpha-methyl styrene (AMS) with reduced by-product formation which comprises: (a) introducing the cumene oxidation product mixture into a decomposing vessel containing indirect heat exchange surfaces wherein the cumene oxidation product mixture and a hereinafter described incoming circulating stream comprising cumene hydroperoxide, phenol, acetone and an acid catalyst are admixed, reacted and cooled by passage around the indirect heat exchange surfaces; (b) circulating a cooled stream comprising unreacted cumene hydroperoxide, phenol and acetone from the decomposing vessel to provide the circulating stream of step (a); and (c) withdrawing a reacted stream comprising a cumene hydroperoxide concentration from about 0.5 to about 5 weight percent from the circulating stream.