In contrast to conventional ethylene oxide (EO) production methods, this invention employs a new catalyst, a different oxidant, and much milder operating conditions. This inventive method eliminates carbon dioxide waste and converts ethylene to EO with greater than 99% selectivity. In addition to increased efficiency and a reduced carbon footprint, this invention offers safety advantages over conventional methods.
The current inventions utilizes a novel metal based catalyst in order to allow for the use of hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant allowing for a greener approach to olefin epoxidation. Further this method employs a catalyst that allows for less metal leaching, decreases hydrogen peroxide decomposition, and no carbon dioxide byproduct as demonstrated by gas chromatography.