Synthesis and Characterization of Titanium Supported on High Order Nanoporous Silica and Application for Direct Oxidation of Benzene to Phenol

Abstract

Direct oxidation of benzene to phenol in liquid phase by H₂O₂ peroxide was examined over Ti/ LUS-1 catalyst in methanol and acetic acid as solvents. The maximum yield and selectivity of the phenol produced was obtained in the presence of acetic acid. It can be attributed to the stabilization of H₂O₂ as peroxy acetic acid species in the radical mechanism for this reaction. Acetic acid interacts with hydrogen peroxide over Ti/LUS-1 and produces acetoxy radicals.