Insights into product selectivity of alkylbenzenes oxidation by ozone in acetic acid

The selectivity of the oxidation of alkylbenzenes under ozone in acetic acid has been investigated. The use of the catalytic system Co(II) acetate - CH3COOH - CHal3COOH exhibited its high efficiency in the production of aromatic acids (benzoic and phtalic acids) and toluene as the main reaction products, with minor production of ketones (benzophenone) under specific reaction conditions. In the process, Co (II) transforms into Co (III). Co (III) initiates the selective oxidation of alkylbenzenes while being reduced to Co (II). In the presence of ozone, this process is continues with time. The kinetic parameters of the main stages of the catalytic cycle were determined.