Analysis of the Oxidation of Cyclohexanone to Adipic Acid by GC - MS

By the GC - MS (EI and CI sources), the complicated products of the oxidation of cyclohexanone to adipic acid using 30% aqueous hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by coordination compound system which includes the peroxotungstate formed in situ between sodium tungstate dihydrate and oxalic acid without halid and organic solvent were analysed. And the 12 sorts of productions were found and ascertained. According to the analysis of the main products which are cyclohexanone, 2-oxepanone and adipic acid, the reaction process and its mechanism can be elucidated. At the same time, other byproducts were also analyzed. From the analysis, the reaction mechanisms were presumed. Firstly cyclohexanone is oxidized to 2-oxepanone through Beayer - Villiger reaction and then soon to adipic acid.