Catalytic behaviour of V-Sb-Ti mixed oxides in the vapour-phase reaction of ethylbenzene with air

Comparison between toluene and ethylbenzene oxidation results has confirmed that the reaction rate is independent of the hydrocarbon used in the feed and controlled by the reoxidation of the catalyst. Besides, at the same conversion level, selectivity to total oxidation products is lower when ethylbenzene is used as reactant, due to the formation of a stable dehydrogenated product, styrene, which competes with oxygen for the chemisorption on Lewis acid sites.