| abstract |
In a process wherein a hydrocarbon containing a C-C-double bond is oxidatively split with both C atoms of the double bond being converted to carbonyl functions, the improvement which comprises contacting the hydrocarbon with an oxygen-containing gas at an elevated temperature in the presence of at least one oxide of an element of the V, VI or VII auxiliary group of the periodic system (Mendelejev) as catalyst. Preferred catalysts are vanadium, niobium, tantalum, chromium, molybdenum tungsten, uranium, manganese, technetium, or rhenium oxide in stages of oxidation ranging from the maximum to the free metal, preferably on a carrier. Preferred hydrocarbons are ethylene and cyclopentene. Carbonyl functions, e.g. aldehyde or acid, are formed at each carbon making up the double bond. |