Pathway of the Formation of 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran from Pentane in Vapor-phase Oxidation

The homogeneous oxidation of pentane was investigated in vapor phase. Main products were 2-methyl-tetrahydrofuran (2-MTHF) and pentenes at comparably low temperatures, besides ethylene and propylene from decomposition of pentane at higher temperatures. The yield of 2-MTHF rapidly increased with increase in residence time, and the yield of pentenes reached maximum at a residence time of about 35 s. The distribution of products from pentane was similar to that from 1-pentene. It is presumed from these results that 2-MTHF might be formed through the addition of oxygen to 2-pentyl radical or 1-pentyl radical produced from pentane at shorter residence times. Further, it might be formed predominantly through the addition of oxygen to 1-pentene produced from pentane at longer residence times.