Gas phase epoxidation of propene by nitrous oxide over silica-supported iron oxide catalysts

Catalysts consisting of sodium-promoted silica gel-supported iron oxide were found to catalyze the gas phase epoxidation of propene by nitrous oxide. Selectivities to propene oxide of 40-60% at propene conversions in the range of 6-12% were observed. The influence of different parameters on the yield to propene oxide is discussed: the amount and the dispersity of iron oxide, the procedure of alkali promotion, the morphology of the support, and the reaction parameters. (C) 2000 academic Press.