OXIDATION OF BUTENES

The mixture of n-butenes (1- and 2-butenes) could be oxidized to different products depending on the reaction conditions and the catalyst.

The three commercially important oxidation products are acetic acid, maleic anhydride, and methyl ethyl ketone. Due to the presence of a terminal double bond in l-butene, oxidation of this isomer via a chlorohydrination route is similar to that used for propylene.