Process for producing phenol
US9221736B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 17, 2013 |
| Grant date | Dec 29, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 17, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC07C2529/70
- WIPO fieldOrganic fine chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
In a process for producing phenol, benzene is contacted with a C3 alkylating agent comprising isopropanol under alkylation conditions such that at least part of the isopropanol reacts with the benzene to produce cumene. At least part of the resultant cumene is then oxidized in the presence of an oxidizing gas to produce an oxidation effluent comprising cumene hydroperoxide, unreacted cumene and a spent oxidizing gas. The unreacted cumene is separated from the oxidation effluent and is treated to remove nitrogenous impurities therefrom and produce a purified cumene stream, which is recycled to the oxidization step. At least part of the cumene hydroperoxide from the oxidation effluent is cleaved to produce a cleavage effluent comprising phenol and acetone. The phenol is recovered phenol from the cleavage effluent, whereas at least part of the acetone from the cleavage effluent is hydrogenated to produce isopropanol for recycle to the alkylation step.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.