Inherently safer reactors: Improved efficiency of 3-picoline N-oxidation in the temperature range 110–125 °C

Alkylpyridine N-oxides are important intermediates in the pharmaceutical and agrochemicals industries. The N-oxides are produced via the homogeneously catalyzed oxidation of the respective alkylpyridines using a 50% excess of hydrogen peroxide. The competitive hydrogen peroxide decomposition produces oxygen in the flammable environment of alkylpyridines and thus forms a key hazard for this reaction. In this work, the N-oxidation was performed under pressure in the temperature range of 110–125 °C with different catalyst concentrations. It was shown that temperature had an undisputable positive effect on the N-oxidation efficiency. The accurate measurement of the pressure rise due to decomposition was difficult. However, only 5% of the added H2O2 decomposed when stoichiometric quantities were employed, even in the temperature of 110 °C. The N-oxidation was very efficient, even when the lowest concentration of catalyst employed in this study was used.

► The N-oxidation of 3-picoline at temperatures in the range of 110–125 °C.
► Dramatically increases efficiency of N-oxidation.
► Dramatically favors H2O2 selectivity towards N-oxidation.
► Hydrogen peroxide decomposition is practically eliminated.