Epoxidation of styrene with TBHP/O2 over ferrierite (FER) type molecular sieves.

Epoxidation of styrene over vanadium silicalite with ferrierite (FER) type topology is undertaken. Influence of temperature, pressure, various solvents and solvent to substrate mole ratio was investigated. Conversion increased with increase in temperature and pressure. Solvent to substrate mole ratio is found to play a crucial role in increasing the conversion and selectivity. Catalytic activity of V FER was compared with those of Ti FER, TS 1 and Fe FER. In the case of V and Ti ferrierite analogs, styrene oxide was the major product, whereas phenylacetaldehyde was the major product in the case of TS 1. The catalyst could be recycled after washing by a suitable solvent such as acetone and showed no significant loss in catalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]