Catalytic oxidation of acenaphthene and its derivatives in acetic acid

The chemistry of formation of products of acenaphthene oxidation in the presence of the catalyst containing both manganese and cobalt bromides under batch conditions is discussed. The main reaction products are acenaphthene quinone, acenaphthenol-9, trans-acenaphthylene glycol, naphthalide, and naphthalic anhydride. The sequence of reactions leading to the final products is established. It is shown that the main oxidation product in the presence of the manganese-based catalyst is naphthalic anhydride, and the main product in the presence of the cobalt-based catalyst is acenaphthene quinone. The process and engineering techniques providing for the high overall and fractional yields of the desired products are discussed.