Exxonmobil Chemical Patents Inc.

Andrew R Witt

Christopher Lynn Becker

Helge Jaensch

Kirk C Nadler

Jörg F W Weber

Kendele S Galvan

Amy B Batton

Bryan A Patel

Disclosed are novel processes for the production of cyclic imide compounds such as N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI). The processes may be particularly well-suited for commercial-scale production of cyclic imides such as NHPI. Such cyclic imide compounds are suitable for use as oxidation catalysts, and specifically may be used to oxidize cyclohexylbenzene to cyclohexyl-1-phenyl-1-hydroperoxide. Such an oxidation may be particularly useful in a process for the production of phenol and/or cyclohexanone from benzene via a process comprising hydroalkylation of benzene to cyclohexylbenzene, oxidation of the cyclohexylbenzene to cyclohexyl-1-phenyl-1-hydroperoxide, and cleavage of the cyclohexyl-1-phenyl-1-hydroperoxide to phenol and cyclohexanone. The cyclic imide production process may advantageously include water washing and reactant recovery steps to maximize purity and yield.

Production of cyclic imides suitable for oxidation catalysis

Provided herein is a cyclic imide slurry composition and processes for forming and/or using such a composition. The slurry composition comprises solid cyclic imide and organic liquid, such as liquid alkylbenzene, liquid cyclohexane, and/or liquid organic alcohol (such as cyclohexanol). The slurry composition may find particular use in processes in which the cyclic imide serves as an oxidation catalyst (e.g., as a radical initiator). For instance, the slurry composition may be useful in the oxidation of a liquid alkylbenzene such as cyclohexylbenzene to corresponding 1-cyclohexyl-1-phenyl hydroperoxide. Such an oxidation reaction may further be part of an integrated process for the production of phenol and/or cyclohexanone from benzene via hydroalkylation to form cyclohexylbenzene.

Cyclic imide slurry compositions

Growing community of inventors

Huffman, TX, United States of America

Andrew R Witt