Solvay Interox Gmbh

Mark R Klaas

Siegfried Warwel

Michael Sojka

The present invention provides a process for the preparation of vicinal diols and/or epoxides by the oxidation of olefinically-unsaturated compounds with the use of an inorganic heptavalent rhenium compound as catalyst and of hydrogen peroxide as oxidation agent, wherein the reaction is carried out in a solvent selected from the group consisting of organic phosphoric acid esters and ethers with a boiling point above 50.degree. C. under atmospheric conditions.

Process for the preparation of vicinal diols and/or epoxides

An improved process for the production of carboxylic acids and dicarboxylic acids by the catalytic oxidation of olefins and vicinal diols by hydrogen peroxide is provided. The process employs a rhenium (VII) catalyst, and a solvent comprising a mixture of a carboxylic acid or anhydride having 2 or more carbon atoms and a high boiling cyclic or acyclic ether. Particularly suitable carboxylic acids or anhydrides include acetic acid, propionic acid and acetic anhydride. Particularly suitable high-boiling ethers include 1,4-dioxane and diglyme.

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Aachen, Germany

Mark R Klaas