Patent ID: 7141701

Claim:
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 metering vessel operated at a temperature from about 50° C. (122° F.) to about 80° C. (176° F.) and a pressure from about 115 kPa (2 psig) to about 618 kPa (75 psig); (b) flowing the cumene oxidation product mixture from step (a) into a circulating loop comprising cumene hydroperoxide, an acid catalyst, phenol and acetone at a temperature from about 50° C. (122° F.) to about 80° C. (176° F.) while producing an exothermic heat of reaction; (c) removing the exothermic heat of reaction from the circulating loop; and (d) withdrawing a reacted stream comprising a cumene hydroperoxide concentration from about 0.5 to about 5 weight percent from the circulating loop.