ABSTRACT
Emulsion oxidation of alkylaromatic compounds appeared to be more efficient for the
production of hydroperoxides. The first paper devoted to emulsion oxidation of cumene
appeared in 1950 [1]. The kinetics of emulsion oxidation of cumene was intensely studied by
Kucher et al. [2-16]. Autoxidation of cumene in the bulk and emulsion occurs with an
induction period and autoacceleration. The simple addition of water inhibits the reaction
[6]. However, the addition of an aqueous solution of Na2CO3 or NaOH in combination with
vigorous agitation of this system accelerates the oxidation process [1-17]. The addition of an
aqueous phase accelerates the oxidation and withdrawal of water retards it [6]. The addition
of surfactants such as salts of fatty acids accelerates the oxidation of cumene in emulsion [3].
The higher the surfactant concentration the faster the cumene autoxidation in emulsion [17].
The rates of cumene emulsion oxidation after an induction period are given below (T¼ 353 K, [RH]:[H2O]¼ 2:3 (v/v), pO2¼ 98 kPa [17] ).
