Process for catalytic selective oxidation of a hydrocarbon substrate

The present invention relates to selective oxidation of a hydrocarbon substrate. More particularly, the invention is directed to oxidation of a hydrocarbon substrate to a corresponding oxidised hydrocarbon compound by reacting the substrate with oxygen in presence of an active:catalyst arranged in an improved reactor system for carrying out the selective oxidation process. Process for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon substrate to a corresponding oxidised hydrocarbon compound by contacting the hydrocarbon substrate with an oxygen containing atmosphere in presence of a catalyst being active in the oxidation of the hydrocarbon substrate, which process comprises the steps of: passing a process gas containing the hydrocarbon substrate through a reaction zone with the catalyst; introducing the oxygen containing atmosphere divided into a plurality of substreams successively into the reaction zone; within the reaction zone reacting the process gas continuously with the oxygen containing atmosphere; and withdrawing from the reaction zone a product gas containing oxidised hydrocarbon compound and carbon monoxide.