The nitric acid oxidation of 2-octanol. A model reaction for multiple heterogeneous liquid–liquid reactions

The oxidation of 2-octanol with nitric acid has been selected as a model reaction for a heterogeneous liquid–liquid reaction with an undesired side reaction. 2-Octanol is first oxidized to 2-octanone, which can be further oxidized to carboxylic acids. An extensive experimental program has been followed using heat flow calorimetry supported by chemical analysis. A series of oxidation experiments has been carried out to study the influence of different initial and operating conditions such as temperature, stirring speed and feed rate. In parallel a semi-empirical model has been developed to describe the conversion rates.