The aqueous phase oxidation of cyclohexane using gamma radiation

✍ Scribed by Ronald C. Ashline; Robert L. Von Berg

• Publisher: American Institute of Chemical Engineers
• Year: 1969
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 720 KB
• Volume: 15
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0001-1541
• DOI: 10.1002/aic.690150317

✦ Synopsis

A study was made of the radiolytic oxidation of cyclohexane in aqueous solution by using cobalt 60 gamma radiation. I n the presence of dissolved oxygen gas the reaction proceeds irreversibly with the formation of a number of oxidation products. Those identified were cyclohexanol, cyclohexanone, and hydrogen peroxide. Trace quantities of carbon dioxide were also detected in the liquid phase. Using a constant dose rate of 15 x 104 rad./hr. in all runs, radiation yields were G(C6Hi1OH) = 0.49, and G(CsHio0) = 1.08. When molecular oxygen was excluded from the system, neither cyclohexanol nor cyclohexanone was formed on irradiation. A simplified kinetic model based on competition by the various solutes in the system for a single primary radical species produced by radiolysis of the solvent molecules is developed.

Results generated using the mathematical model are compared with the experimental data. Excellent agreement between the observed and computed trends is noted a t radiation doses up to 50 x 104 rod.