ammonoxidation

Ammonoxidation is a chemical process that involves the reaction of a hydrocarbon, ammonia, and oxygen, typically at elevated temperatures and pressures in the presence of a catalyst. This reaction results in the formation of nitriles. A common example of ammonoxidation is the SOHIO process, which is used to produce acrylonitrile from propylene, ammonia, and air.

The general reaction can be represented as:

Hydrocarbon + NH3 + O2 → Nitrile + H2O

Catalysts play a crucial role in ammonoxidation, often being complex metal oxides, such as those containing bismuth, molybdenum, or vanadium. These catalysts facilitate the selective oxidation and amination of the hydrocarbon. The reaction conditions, including temperature, pressure, and reactant ratios, are carefully controlled to maximize the yield of the desired nitrile and minimize side reactions.

Ammonoxidation is an industrially important process for the synthesis of various nitriles, which are valuable intermediates in the production of polymers, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural chemicals. The efficiency and selectivity of the catalyst are key factors in the economic viability of the ammonoxidation process.