Synthesis of propylene oxide in a barrier discharge plasma

Oxidation of propylene with oxygen, air in a barrier discharge plasma is investigated. The selectivity towards formation of propylene oxide in pure oxygen is shown to be as high as 45 wt. % and the propylene conversion ratio is found to be 12.9 wt. %. In the oxidation with air, the propylene oxide selectivity is 23 wt. %, while the conversion is 7.5 wt. %. The values of propylene conversion and selectivity towards formation of propylene oxide in a barrier discharge are consistent with those obtained by the thermocatalytic methods for production of propylene oxide.