Patent ID: 6639086
Filing Date: 2003-10-28
Classification: C07D

Abstract:
A process for producing propylene oxide, which comprises steps described below, wherein the concentration of isopropylbenzene hydroperoxide in a solution containing cumyl alcohol is 5% by weight or less when the epoxidation step is completed:oxidation step; a step in which isopropylbenzene is oxidized to obtain isopropylbenzene hydroperoxide, epoxidation step; a step in which isopropylbenzene hydroperoxide obtained in the oxidation step is reacted with propylene to obtain propylene oxide and cumyl alcohol, and hydrogenolysis step; a step in which cumyl alcohol obtained in the epoxidation step is subjected to hydrogenolysis to obtain isopropylbenzene, and said isopropylbenzene is recycled to the oxidation step as a raw material for the oxidation step.