Abstract: Disclosed are novel processes for the production of cyclic imide compounds such as N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI). The processes may be particularly well-suited for commercial-scale production of cyclic imides such as NHPI. Such cyclic imide compounds are suitable for use as oxidation catalysts, and specifically may be used to oxidize cyclohexylbenzene to cyclohexyl-1-phenyl-1-hydroperoxide. Such an oxidation may be particularly useful in a process for the production of phenol and/or cyclohexanone from benzene via a process comprising hydroalkylation of benzene to cyclohexylbenzene, oxidation of the cyclohexylbenzene to cyclohexyl-1-phenyl-1-hydroperoxide, and cleavage of the cyclohexyl-1-phenyl-1-hydroperoxide to phenol and cyclohexanone. The cyclic imide production process may advantageously include water washing and reactant recovery steps to maximize purity and yield.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel processes for the production of cyclic imide compounds such as N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI). The processes may be particularly well-suited for commercial-scale production of cyclic imides such as NHPI. Such cyclic imide compounds are suitable for use as oxidation catalysts, and specifically may be used to oxidize cyclohexylbenzene to cyclohexyl-1-phenyl-1-hydroperoxide. Such an oxidation may be particularly useful in a process for the production of phenol and/or cyclohexanone from benzene via a process comprising hydroalkylation of benzene to cyclohexylbenzene, oxidation of the cyclohexylbenzene to cyclohexyl-1-phenyl-1-hydroperoxide, and cleavage of the cyclohexyl-1-phenyl-1-hydroperoxide to phenol and cyclohexanone. The cyclic imide production process may advantageously include water washing and reactant recovery steps to maximize purity and yield.

Abstract: Provided herein is a cyclic imide slurry composition and processes for forming and/or using such a composition. The slurry composition comprises solid cyclic imide and organic liquid, such as liquid alkylbenzene, liquid cyclohexane, and/or liquid organic alcohol (such as cyclohexanol). The slurry composition may find particular use in processes in which the cyclic imide serves as an oxidation catalyst (e.g., as a radical initiator). For instance, the slurry composition may be useful in the oxidation of a liquid alkylbenzene such as cyclohexylbenzene to corresponding 1-cyclohexyl-1-phenyl hydroperoxide. Such an oxidation reaction may further be part of an integrated process for the production of phenol and/or cyclohexanone from benzene via hydroalkylation to form cyclohexylbenzene.

Abstract: Provided herein is a cyclic imide slurry composition and processes for forming and/or using such a composition. The slurry composition comprises solid cyclic imide and organic liquid, such as liquid alkylbenzene, liquid cyclohexane, and/or liquid organic alcohol (such as cyclohexanol). The slurry composition may find particular use in processes in which the cyclic imide serves as an oxidation catalyst (e.g., as a radical initiator). For instance, the slurry composition may be useful in the oxidation of a liquid alkylbenzene such as cyclohexylbenzene to corresponding 1-cyclohexyl-1-phenyl hydroperoxide. Such an oxidation reaction may further be part of an integrated process for the production of phenol and/or cyclohexanone from benzene via hydroalkylation to form cyclohexylbenzene.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel processes for the production of cyclic imide compounds such as N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI). The processes may be particularly well-suited for commercial-scale production of cyclic imides such as NHPI. Such cyclic imide compounds are suitable for use as oxidation catalysts, and specifically may be used to oxidize cyclohexylbenzene to cyclohexyl-1-phenyl-1-hydroperoxide. Such an oxidation may be particularly useful in a process for the production of phenol and/or cyclohexanone from benzene via a process comprising hydroalkylation of benzene to cyclohexylbenzene, oxidation of the cyclohexylbenzene to cyclohexyl-1-phenyl-1-hydroperoxide, and cleavage of the cyclohexyl-1-phenyl-1-hydroperoxide to phenol and cyclohexanone. The cyclic imide production process may advantageously include water washing and reactant recovery steps to maximize purity and yield.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel processes for the production of cyclic imide compounds such as N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI). The processes may be particularly well-suited for commercial-scale production of cyclic imides such as NHPI. Such cyclic imide compounds are suitable for use as oxidation catalysts, and specifically may be used to oxidize cyclohexylbenzene to cyclohexyl-1-phenyl-1-hydroperoxide. Such an oxidation may be particularly useful in a process for the production of phenol and/or cyclohexanone from benzene via a process comprising hydroalkylation of benzene to cyclohexylbenzene, oxidation of the cyclohexylbenzene to cyclohexyl-1-phenyl-1-hydroperoxide, and cleavage of the cyclohexyl-1-phenyl-1-hydroperoxide to phenol and cyclohexanone. The cyclic imide production process may advantageously include water washing and reactant recovery steps to maximize purity and yield.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of naphthalene-depleted heavy aromatics, the naphthalene-depleted heavy aromatic product made thereby, and to an apparatus adapted for said production.