The partial oxidation of C4–C6 alkanes to maleic anhydride, 2-methyl maleic anhydride, and acetic acid over MoVO catalysts

Alkanes such as iso-butane, n-pentane, and cyclohexane have been converted effectively to maleic anhydride, 2-methyl maleic anhydride, and acetic acid over MoVO catalysts below 330 °C. In order to explore the possible reaction pathways, the oxidation of iso-butene, cyclohexene, 2-methyl-1-propanol, tert-butanol, and 2-methylacrylic acid were examined over the catalysts. In iso-butene oxidation, acetic acid and 2-methyl maleic anhydride were detected but not maleic anhydride. In cyclohexene oxidation, benzene and phenol were detected as major products but it was not the case in cyclohexane oxidation. The results of our investigation indicate that the oxidation pathway of iso-butane is different from that of iso-butene, 2-methyl-1-propanol, tert-butanol, and 2-methylacrylic acid, whereas the oxidation pathway of cyclohexane is different from that of cyclohexene.