Patent ID: 7166752
Filing Date: 2007-01-23
Classification: C07C

Abstract:
1. A method for decomposing a cumene oxidation product containing cumene, cumene hydroperoxide (CHP) and dimethylphenyl carbinol (DMPC) to produce phenol, acetone and alpha-methyl styrene (AMS), comprising the steps of: providing a first reaction mixture including water, said water being added in a stream having an adjustable feed rate; reacting the reaction mixture in a first reactor at a first average temperature to produce phenol and acetone and wherein said DMPC is converted to dicumyl peroxide (DCP); reacting the reaction mixture in a second reactor under plug-flow conditions at a second average temperature for a time sufficient to decompose the DCP into AMS and water to form a product mixture; recovering said acetone solution from the product mixture; recycling said acetone solution from the product mixture to the first reactor; monitoring the content of the acetone solution by on-line analysis; and adjusting the feed rate of the water in response to the content of the acetone solution; wherein said first average temperature is between about 50° C. and 90° C. and said second average temperature is greater than said first average temperature, provided that said second average temperature does not exceed 150° C.