Kinetics and Mechanism of Cumene Oxidation Initiated by N‐Hydroxyphthalimide

ABSTRACT This paper discusses the results of investigations on the kinetics of cumene oxidation to cumene hydroperoxide by molecular oxygen in the presence of N ‐hydroxyphthalimide as a catalyst. A mathematical model has been developed on the basis of the regularities of hydroperoxide and by‐products formation. The model adequately describes changes in all reaction components in the course of the reaction. It has also been established that the role of N‐ hydroxyphthalimide in the process consists in the creation of a steady‐state concentration of N ‐phthalimide radicals initiating oxidation by interacting with the hydrocarbon.