Reaction method utilizing diaphram type catalyst and apparatus therefor

Abstract

A method for carrying out a reaction of one substance capable of being activated by a catalyst with another substance capable of reacting with said one substance activated, characterized in that the substance capable of being activated is activated by passing the substance through a diaphragm type catalyst and the reaction is thus performed in one reaction step; a method for producing an aromatic alcohol utilizing the above method; and a reaction apparatus suitable for these reactions. In the method, one substance is activated by passing through a diaphragm type catalyst and an objective reaction is carried out by using the activated substance, and the reaction can be performed in one reaction step and with safety. Moreover, the contact of the above activated substance with a compound to be reacted therewith can be freely controlled, and therefore, over-reaction can be prevented and an objective product can be produced in high yield. The method is thus markedly advantageous from an economical view point as a commercial process for producing oxygen-containing organic compounds such as an aromatic alcohol, a ketone, an aldehyde, a carboxylic acid and an epoxide.