Selective Oxidation of Anthracene

The oxidation of anthracene was studied on different unsupported V/Mo/P oxides catalysts as well as on alumina- and silica-supported catalysts at 673 and 723 K. Selectivity of the reaction to anthraquinone and phthalic anhydride was affected by catalyst composition, support material and temperature. A kinetic reaction scheme was set up and the kinetic parameters were determined. Adsorbate structures of anthracene, anthraquinone and phthalic anhydride on both the supported catalysts and on the pure support materials were derived from in-situ FTIR transmission spectroscopic measurements.