Patent ID: 7078563
Filing Date: 2006-07-18
Classification: C07C,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A process for the oxidation of a C 2 to C 4 alkane to produce the corresponding alkene and carboxylic acid which process comprises: contacting in an oxidation reaction zone, said alkane, molecular oxygen-containing gas and the corresponding alkene in the presence of at least one catalyst active for the oxidation of the alkane to the corresponding alkene and carboxylic acid, to produce a product stream comprising alkene, carboxylic acid and water; and adjusting or maintaining the molar ratio of alkene produced in said oxidation reaction zone to carboxylic acid produced in said oxidation reaction zone in the range 10:1 to 1:10 by controlling the concentration of the alkene introduced in said oxidation reaction zone.