Patent ID: 6037491
Filing Date: 2000-03-14
Classification: B01J,C07C,D01F

Abstract:
A method of controlling in a reaction zone the oxidation of a hydrocarbon to form a respective acid in a liquid mixture comprising catalyst, solvent, water, and optionally initiator, the solvent and the hydrocarbon having an initial solvent to hydrocarbon ratio, at desired levels of catalyst, water, and initiator, the method being characterized by the steps:(a) contacting the liquid mixture with a gaseous oxidant in the reaction zone at a first temperature, the first temperature being adequately high for the oxidation to proceed;(b) maintaining the liquid mixture in a single liquid phase at the first temperature; and(c) controlling the solvent to hydrocarbon ratio in a manner that reaction rate and/or reactivity is substantially maintained within a desired reaction rate and/or reactivity range, or in a manner that the reaction rate and/or reactivity is directed toward said reaction rate and/or reactivity range if the reaction rate and/or reactivity is outside the desired reaction rate and/or reactivity range at the initial solvent to hydrocarbon ratio, at the desired levels of catalyst, water, and initiator.