Direct Epoxidation of Propene Using Gold Dispersed on TS-1 and Other Titanium-Containing Supports

Abstract

Highly dispersed gold catalysts on a titanium-containing support are promising catalysts for the low-temperature direct epoxidation of propene. Gold dispersed on TS-1 and other titanium-based support materials has been used to selectively (>99%) epoxidize propene using a hydrogen−oxygen mixture. The propene conversion, however, remains low (<2%). The mode of operation of these catalysts, which is based on the close cooperation between the gold and the support material, is discussed and some mechanistic models are postulated. An investigation has been made into the cause of the relatively low catalyst activity, the efficiency of the catalyst toward the use of hydrogen, and the deactivation of the catalyst. The most important cause for the low propene oxide yields is explained by a strong adsorption of propene oxide on the catalyst.