Oxidation of cyclohexylamine by air to its oxime

The oxidation of cyclohexylamine was studied over tungsten, molybdenum and vanadium oxides containing catalysts supported on silica, γ-alumina or hydrotalcite in the temperature range 170°C–230°C. Depending on the catalyst and reaction conditions, the main products of the reaction are cyclohexanone oxime, cyclohexylidenecyclohexylamine or cyclohexanone. About 70% selectivity of cyclohexanone oxime formation at about 20% conversion of cyclohexylamine is obtained over tungsten catalysts. The activity of the tested catalysts usually passes through a maximum and, then, gradually decreases with time on stream. The deactivation of the catalyst is caused by the formation of tar products on the catalyst surface. The mechanism of oxidation involves formation of oxygen species on the catalyst surface which oxidizes cyclohexylamine.