Oxidation of Cyclododecane under Continuous Conditions.

A study was made of the oxidation of cyclododecane in the temperature range from 150 to 190 degree C in a continuously operating reactor. It is established that the dependence of the rate of oxidation on temperature is governed by the Arrhenius equation with an activation energy of 31 plus or minus 2 kcal/mol. Using the method of experiment planning, a study was made of the noncatalytic oxidation of cyclododecane involving thermal decomposition ofo cyclododecyl hydroperoxide. The maximum yield of cyclododecanol and cyclodecanone amounts to 68% of the theoretical value. The use of hydroperoxide decomposition catalysts and neutralization of the oxidate before distillation make it possible to increase the yield to 75-79% with a 5% degree of conversion of cyclododecane.