How to convert benzene into benzoic acid: chemical reaction and process analysis

Benzene is one of the most basic and important organic compounds in the chemical industry, and its derivative benzoic acid is widely used in food, medicine, cosmetics and other fields. In this article, we will delve into the main methods of converting benzene to benzoic acid and their reaction principles to help you better understand this chemical process.

Benzene to Benzoic Acid Common Methods

There are two common methods for converting benzene into benzoic acid: one is through oxidation reaction, and the other is through the oxidation reaction of benzyl alcohol. These two methods are analyzed separately below.

1. Oxidation reaction method

The most common method of converting benzene to benzoic acid is by oxidation. The reaction is usually carried out under certain conditions and requires the participation of oxygen or other oxidants.

Reaction process:

Benzene undergoes a series of reactions in the presence of an oxidant (such as oxygen in the air or a catalyst) to produce benzoic acid. Common oxidants include hydrogen peroxide (H₂ O₂), potassium permanganate (KMnO₂), etc. The basic process of the reaction is that the benzene molecule is oxidized to form benzoic acid.

Reaction formula:

C₆H₆ O₂ → C₆H₅COOH

the advantage of this method is that the reaction conditions are relatively simple and suitable for large-scale production of benzoic acid. Due to the low activity of benzene, the oxidation reaction is slow, which requires a certain temperature, pressure and catalyst to be efficient.

2. Benzyl alcohol oxidation reaction

Another common method of converting benzene to benzoic acid is by the oxidation of benzyl alcohol. Benzyl alcohol (C≡H∞CH₂ OH) is relatively easily oxidized to benzoic acid, and the reaction conditions are relatively mild.

Reaction process:

Benzyl alcohol is oxidized to produce benzoic acid under the action of oxidant. This reaction is more efficient, and can avoid the benzene directly involved in the complex oxidation reaction, thereby improving the purity of the product.

Reaction formula:

C₆H₅CH₂OH O₂ → C₆H₅COOH H₂O

this method is suitable for small-scale production and laboratory research, especially when benzyl alcohol is relatively easy to obtain.

Benzene to Benzoic Acid Industrial Applications

In industrial production, how to convert benzene into benzoic acid depends not only on the chemical reaction itself, but also on the economy and feasibility of the reaction. In order to improve production efficiency, it is often necessary to optimize the reaction using catalysts and appropriate reaction conditions.

1. Efficient catalyst use

In order to increase the reaction rate and reduce the formation of by-products, the use of catalysts is particularly important. For example, when hydrogen peroxide is used, a catalyst such as molybdenum or vanadium is often added to improve the oxidation efficiency of benzene. Control of temperature and pressure during oxidation can also significantly affect the yield and purity of the reaction.

2. Mild reaction conditions

The industrial production of benzoic acid often requires milder reaction conditions. In order to reduce energy consumption and equipment maintenance costs, the use of low-temperature, atmospheric pressure oxidation reaction system can effectively improve the economic benefits of production.

Benzene to Benzoic Acid: Challenges and Future Development

Although the existing methods for converting benzene to benzoic acid are relatively mature, there are still some challenges in industrial application.

1. Environmental and safety issues

Benzene, as a toxic substance, requires extra care during operation. The harmful by-products that may be produced in the oxidation reaction also need to be strictly controlled. How to reduce harmful gas emissions and improve the utilization rate of raw materials is the key development direction of benzoic acid production in the future.

2. Green chemistry to promote

With the enhancement of environmental awareness, green chemistry has become a new trend in the development of chemical industry. In the process of converting benzene to benzoic acid, the development of more environmentally friendly catalysts and oxidants and the use of renewable resources will be the focus of future research.

Summary

How to convert benzene into benzoic acid is an important research topic in the field of chemical engineering. We can produce benzoic acid efficiently by oxidation reaction or benzyl alcohol oxidation. In the process of industrial production, the use of catalysts and the optimization of reaction conditions are the key to improve efficiency. In the future, with the development of green chemistry, the method of converting benzene into benzoic acid will be more environmentally friendly and efficient, and will play an important role in industrial applications.