Synthesis of Heptanoic Acid via the Oxidation of Octene-1 by Hydrogen Peroxide under Conditions of Phase-Transfer Catalysis

Abstract

Results from studying the oxidation of octene-1 by a hydrogen peroxide solution to heptanoic acid in a two-phase liquid system under phase-transfer catalysis conditions are presented. Methyl(tri-n-octyl) ammonium tetra(oxodiperoxotungsto)phosphate [MeOct₃ⁿN]₃{PO₄[WO(O₂)₂]₄} is used as a catalyst. The conditions of the formation of heptanoic acid with a yield of nearly 90% at temperatures below 100°C and atmospheric pressure in a single stage without organic solvents have been determined. The obtained experimental data provide the possibility to recommend this way for the synthesis of monocarboxylic acids from α-alkenes for the creation of green chemistry processes.