STUDIES ON THE CATALYTIC PROPERTIES OF U-Sb OXIDE OXIDATION SYSTEM. DECOMPOSITION OF ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL IN PRESENCE OF OXYGEN.

The catalyst USb//3O//1//0 undergoes partial and irreversible decomposition to USbO//5, U//3O//8 and Sb//2O//4 and the mixed oxide phase forms the actual catalyst in the decomposition of isopropyl alcohol in the presence of oxygen. This mixed phase promotes the oxidative dehydrogenation of isopropyl alcohol with approximately 80% selectivity. The formation of CO//2 shows a linear dependence on oxygen partial pressure. Presence of acetone in the feed decreases the catalytic activity, while selectivity for acetone formation is enhanced by the presence of small amounts of water in the feed.