The kinetics of the vapor phase oxidation of p?xylene over ferric molybdate catalyst were studied in an isothermal, differential, tubular flow reactor in the temperature range of 360 to 420° C. The major product obtained was p?tolualdehyde with small amounts of maleic anhydride and p?toluic acid. No terephthalic acid or CO<inf>2</inf> were observed. The reaction rate data collected fit the redox model given by Equation 1. The values of activation energies E<inf>x</inf>, E<inf>o</inf> and frequency factors A<inf>x</inf>, A<inf>o</inf> obtained are 72, 63 kJ/mol and 0.64, 2.89 m3/kg catalyst s respectively. The reaction mechanism was established by studying the oxidation of p?tolualdehyde, toluic and terephthalic acids. It is concluded that the reaction follows a parallel?consecutive scheme. Copyright © 1978 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering

Abstract

1978