Efficient and selective bromination of acetophenones

Abstract

Acetophenone is recovered as a by-product of the oxidation of ethylbenzene to
ethylbenzene hydroperoxide. Ethylbenzene hydroperoxide is an intermediate in the commercial
production of propylene oxide via the propylene oxide - styrene co-product process.[1]
Ethylbenzene hydroperoxide is primarily converted to 1-phenylethanol (α-methylbenzyl alcohol)
in the process with a small amount of by-product acetophenone. Acetophenone is recovered or
hydrogenated to 1-phenylethanol which is then dehydrated to produce styrene.