The oxidation of benzene by V2O5 in the presence of air produces
- maleic anhydride
- benzoic acid
- benzaldehyde
- benzoic anhydride.
Answer
(1) maleic anhydride
Solution
Benzene is very stable towards oxidation; with air (oxygen) over V2O5 catalyst at about 773 K the ring is broken and maleic anhydride is formed:
2C6H6 + 9O2 [773 K]V2O5 2C4H2O3 + 4CO2 + 4H2O
[figure]
(maleic anhydride)
Answer: (1)