Advances in synthesis of propylene oxide by propylene oxidation

Propylene oxide (PO) is an important chemical raw material and intermediate, which is produced by the conventional chlorohydrin and indirect oxidation processes today. Both methods have significant drawbacks and improvements have to be made. This paper mainly introduces the recent advances in the synthesis of propylene oxide by direct propylene oxidation. Difficulties in the research of direct propylene oxidation and the future trend of research work are also pointed out.