HPPOa (Hydrogen Peroxide to Propylene Oxide acetonitrile)

Preconditions of the creation of new technology

Propylene Oxide (C3H6O) is a colorless liquid with low boiling temperature and high chemical activity, which is currently one of the most important chemical intermediate products, especially in the field of polyurethane and solvents production. Its polarity and a strained three-membered epoxy ring makes it easier to open after the reaction with various substances.
Since the early 1950s the importance of propylene oxide for chemical industry has increased drastically. The major amount of propylene oxide is used for the production of polyurethane plastics and propylene glycol. Polyurethanes have a wide range of applications, including automotive components, construction and insulation materials, as well as materials for furniture cover, sports shoes and other products, moreover, the consumption of propylene oxide is highly growing.
There are several technologies of propylene epoxidation with hydrogen peroxide using methanol as a propylene solvent. Techinservice uses acetonitrile as a propylene solvent, which drastically reduces the amount of process byproducts.
The modern method of direct propylene epoxidation with hydrogen peroxide has no dangerous byproducts. High propylene oxide demand has made Techinservice start the search and development of improved propylene oxide production technology.