Catalytic performance of Ti-MCM-41 for styrene oxidation

A series of Ti-MCM-41 samples with different titanium contents in the MCM-41 framework were synthesized using Ti(SO₄)₂ as the titanium source. Their catalytic performance in the direct oxidation of styrene with hydroperoxide was studied. The effects of the solvent kinds and titanium content on the catalytic activity of Ti-MCM-41 were also investigated. The results indicated that benzaldehyde was the main product, and both the styrene conversion and benzaldehyde yield increased with increasing titanium content in the framework. The catalytic activity increased with the decrease of the pore size of the catalyst. Organic compounds with proper polarity such as acetonitrile were the suitable solvent. The further oxidation of styrene can be cut down by decreasing solvent polarity and H₂O₂ concentration, and thus the selectivity for styrene epoxide and hyacinthin increased.