Progress in Continuous-flow Oxidation of Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Abstract Aromatic alcohols, aromatic aldehydes, and aromatic acids are usually synthesized by oxidation of the corresponding aromatic compounds and can be used as intermediates for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, dyes, plasticizers, and fragrances. However, implementing these oxidations in conventional batch reactors, especially on larger scales, is often associated with severe safety risks and process challenges. The potential of explosion propagation within the reactor can be reduced using continuous-flow technology, which can eliminate or alleviate these safety hazards by reducing the size of the reactor and the size of the channel. In this paper, the research progress on aromatic hydrocarbon catalytic oxidation reactions using continuous-flow technology, as well as various catalytic systems and the corresponding selectivity, is reviewed. The translation of aerobic oxidation from batch oxidation to continuous-flow processes, including process intensification and equipment study, has also been discussed.