Catalytic oxidation of benzene with ozone over Mn ion-exchanged zeolites

Catalytic oxidation of benzene with ozone was carried out over Mn ion-exchanged zeolites at 343 K. Benzene was oxidized on Mn-Y to form COx without the release of organic byproducts, whereas formic acid was formed with supported manganese oxide catalysts, Mn/SiO2 and Mn/SiO2–Al2O3. Mn-Y showed higher activity and selectivity to CO2 than other zeolite catalysts, Mn-β, Mn-MOR, and Mn-ZSM-5. Linear relationship was observed between benzene consumption, COx formation and ozone consumption. Formic acid adsorbed on Mn-Y catalyst was completely oxidized to CO2 with ozone at around 343 K.