Microwave Power Effect on the Alkyl, Aromatic Hydrocarbons Oxidation with Molecular Oxygen

Liquid-phase oxidation of toluene, p-xylene and pt-butyl toluene in the presence of catalyst (Co and Mn acetates), initiators (KBr, methyl ethyl ketone) and solvent (acetic acid) was studied. An effort was made to obtain high oxidation rates at temperature between 90 and 100°C and at atmospheric pressure using microwave heating. A modified multimode cavity was used. The reaction vessel was made of Teflon (microwave transparent, chemically inert) and was equipped with a stirrer, temperature control, a reflwc condenser and a system for continuously bubbling of air.