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Two-step oxidation of anthracite to mellitic acid

Journal Article · · Dokl. Chem. (Engl. Transl.); (United States)
OSTI ID:6889475

A previously reported method for the preparation of mellitic acid by a two-step oxidation of highly carbonized materials using nitric acid in the first step and permanganate, chlorine in alkaline solution, or dilute nitric acid in the second step was applied to the oxidation of anthracite. A yield of 30% mellitic acid was obtained. The effects of other oxidation conditions on the yield of mellitic acid and the functions of the oxidizing agents in the two steps of the process were also studied. Oxidation by nitric acid in the first step of the oxidation process was found to lead predominately to surface carboxylic acid groups, and the yield of mellitic acid increased with increasing fraction of carboxylic acid group oxygen. It is proposed that oxidation by air and other oxidizing agents likely yields other forms of bound oxygen such as peroxy, ether, quinoid, and phenol groups which do not oxidize in the second step to mellitic acid.

Research Organization:
Inst. of Physical Organic Chemistry and Coal Chemistry, Donetsk, SU
OSTI ID:
6889475
Journal Information:
Dokl. Chem. (Engl. Transl.); (United States), Journal Name: Dokl. Chem. (Engl. Transl.); (United States) Vol. 270:1-3; ISSN DKCHA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English