Cumene process

The cumene process is a chemical process for the production of phenol and acetone. It is also known under the name Hock'sche phenol synthesis or Hock process and was named after its discoverer Heinrich Hock - named, who developed it in 1944 (1887 1971).

Benzene and propene in acid in cumene, ie isopropylbenzene convicted:

Cumene is oxidized by atmospheric oxygen, wherein a hydroperoxide is formed:

Start reaction:

Propagation:

The subsequent acidic work brings forth in a rearrangement reaction of phenol and acetone. This process is only economical because both reaction products are recyclable: