The Catalytic Effect of the Bismuth Nitrate on the Autoxidation of Olefins

Abstract The catalytic effect of the bismuth nitrate on the autoxidation of olefins has been investigated. Nitrogen dioxide, oxygen atoms, and bismuth oxynitrate, which are the thermal decomposition products of the bismuth nitrate, are not involved in the initiation of the reaction. The bismuth nitrate is only effective on olefinic compounds, not on saturated hydrocarbons, and it does not decompose hydroperoxide. The catalysis of the bismuth nitrate is supposed to result from direct interaction with olefin.