Aqueous phase epoxidation of 1-butene catalyzed by suspension of Au/TiO2+TS-1

Abstract

A combination of two catalysts, Au/TiO2 and TS-1 were used to catalyze the demanding reaction of butene epoxidation in an aqueous solution using molecular oxygen under very mild reaction conditions. Peroxy initiator was not necessary but carbon monoxide as a sacrificial reductant was needed. Carbon monoxide conversions increase with time on stream suggesting the generation of a highly active aqueous phase CO oxidation catalyst.