Kinetics of catalytic oxidation of some aromatic compounds in two–phase systems

A study has been undertaken of some oxidative coupling reactions which are catalysed by copper chloride/pyridine catalyst solutions, gaseous oxygen being the oxidizing agent. The oxidative coupling of thiophenol has been investigated in some detail. It has been discovered that, under certain conditions, one of the products of this reaction is diphenyl thiolsulphinate (PhSOSPh), a potential commercial antioxidant for synthetic rubbers, whereas previously diphenyl disulphide (PhSSPh) was reported to be the only product. The effect of several reaction variables upon both the rate of thiophenol oxidation and the relative yields of products from this reaction have been investigated. In particular, detailed study has been made of the effects of varying mass transfer rates upon the course of this gas–liquid reaction. [Continues.]