Oxidation

Examples of Oxidative
Reactions
Dehydrogenation
Addition of oxygen
Dehydrogenation along with oxygen

addition.
dehydrogenation accompanied by
molecular condensation
Dehydrogenation , oxygen introduction and
destruction of carbon linkage
Peroxidation

Oxidizing Agents
Permanganates such as potassium and

calcium permanganate
Dichromates
Hypochlorous acid and salts
Sodium chlorite and chlorine dioxide
Chlorates
Peroxides
Sulphuric acid
Ozone

Liquid phase oxidation with

oxygen
Air oxygen is cheapest oxidizing agent but

most difficult to control. Catalyst must be

used to attain commercially useful reaction
rates.
In liquid phase process catalyst may be
either dissolved or suspended in finely
divided form to ensure contact with
bubbles of gas containing oxygen.

Acetaldehyde to Acetic Acid

Vapour Phase Oxidation

Molecular oxygen is used a soxidixing

agent
Elevated temp and cataylst required
Limitation exist for this process such as
substance should have high vapour
pressure at reaction temp and should be
thermally stable to resisit undesired
decomposition.
Products must be reasonably stable to
continue oxidation and easily recoverable.

Methanol to Formaldehyde