Jimmie Lee Elmore

US Patent:

62359312, May 22, 2001

Filed:

Dec 30, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/223549

Inventors:

Pen-Chung Wang - Houston TX
Gayle Edward Back - Houston TX
Glynnda Addicks - Sugar Land TX
Jimmie Dale Elmore - Houston TX
Herbert Elliott Fried - Owings Hills MD

Assignee:

Shell Oil Company - Houston TX

International Classification:

C07C 5127

US Classification:

562540

Abstract:

A process for partially oxidizing and converting a polyoxyalkylene polyol composition to a polycarboxylic acid composition comprising reacting a polyoxyalkylene polyol composition with a stable free radical nitroxide in the presence of an NO. sub. x generating compound, a flow of air or oxygen, and optionally water, at elevated temperatures. The oxidation reaction is discontinued by deactivating the catalyst and removing the source of air or oxygen, the NO. sub. x generating source, and the optional water. From 60% to no more than 95% of the polyoxyalkylene polyol composition is converted.