The heterogeneous catalytic oxidation of propylene in the presence of singlet oxygen in the reaction mixture

Three methods for the introduction of singlet oxygen into the reaction mixture were tested, including thermal generation of singlet oxygen on the catalyst itself, the introduction of singlet oxygen from an external source, and photogeneration of singlet oxygen on the catalyst. Zeolites with admixtures of Mo, Bi, V, and Ni and SiO₂ with deposited Mo, V, and Bi were used. Common to all reactions was an increase in the yield of deep oxidation products in the presence of singlet oxygen. A sharp increase in the yield of mild oxidation products was observed in the oxidation of propylene on a Bi/SiO₂ catalyst. The generation of singlet oxygen under irradiation at 240–260 nm was found to cause deep oxidation only. Mild oxidation products could only form under the action of total mercury lamp light.