The uncatalyzed oxidation of toluene and pseudocumene by sulfur dioxide has been studied at pressures ranging from 200 to 300 atm; and at tempratures from 250 to 350°C. It was found that under these conditions, toluene is readily oxidized and that the main oxidation product is benzoic acid. Pseudocumene, however, oxidizes to mono‐ and di‐carboxylic acids rather than to trimellitic acid. Power law rate equations are proposed for the two oxidations. Activation energy for toluene oxidation is estimated to be 47.6 Kcal/gm. mole while for pseudocumene oxidation the value is 71.2 Kcal/gm. mole.
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