‘One-pot’ reactions: a contribution to environmental protection Original Research Article

The direct oxidation of benzene, β-picoline and propylene, respectively, were carried out by ‘one-pot’ reactions. A steamed H-[Al]-ZSM-5 with strong Lewis acid sites yields the best results in the oxidation of benzene with N2O. β-picoline can be directly oxidized with O2 in the gas-phase to nicotinic acid in the presence of a V2O5 impregnated TiO2 catalyst having Brönsted acid sites in addition to redox properties. Yields up to 98% can be achieved. The propylene oxide synthesis is based on the oxidation of propylene by using a O2–H2 gas mixture over Pd/Pt-impregnated TS-1. Selectivities up to 85% are obtained at conversions between 15 and 20%.