Abstract: Disclosed is a method of recovering and purifying 3,4-epoxy-1-butene (epoxybutene) from a reaction product gas, obtained by the vapor phase catalytic partial oxidation of 1,3-butadiene with oxygen over a silver catalyst. The recovery and purification comprises absorption of the epoxybutene into a water-miscible solvent followed by separation of the absorbed epoxybutene from the absorbent by extraction into a water-immiscible solvent. A method of recovering and purifying epoxybutene from the extraction solvent and other reaction by-products by a novel combination of distillation and decantation steps also is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the efficient removal of carbon dioxide from a gas recycle system generated in an epoxidation process wherein 1,3-butadiene is selectively oxidized to 3,4-epoxy-1-butene. Carbon dioxide at low partial pressure is absorbed into an alkanolamine solution from a low pressure recycle gas stream containing high levels of oxygen. Also disclosed is a means for reclaiming the alkanolamine from a solution of a carbon dioxide-alkanolamine salt or adduct formed in the carbon dioxide removal process.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved gas phase process for the selective epoxidation of non-allylic olefins wherein the epoxidation is carried out in the presence of one or more volatile, nitrogen-containing, basic compounds. The presence of a nitrogen-containing basic compound in the olefin-containing reaction gas or vapor suppresses the formation of an organic resinous material which coats the catalyst, thereby decreasing catalyst activity and life and also increases substantially the activity of the epoxidation catalyst. The disclosed process is particularly useful for the continuous manufacture of 3,4-epoxy-1-butene from 1,3-butadiene.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved processes for the recovery of 3,4-epoxy-1-butene (epoxybutene) from an epoxidation effluent comprising epoxybutane, butadiene, oxygen and an inert diluent obtained by the selective epoxidation of butadiene with an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a catalyst and an inert gas. Epoxybutene is separated from the effluent by means of an absorption process using an extractant comprising liquid butadiene and, optionally, a hydrocarbon diluent. The formation of butenediols, by the reaction of epoxybutene and water, in the recovery process is inhibited by the addition of a base, preferably an alkali metal base, to the recovery system.