关键词: 2,3,6-三甲基苯酚, 2,3,5-三甲基苯醌, 催化, 氧化, 合成, 化学反应器

Abstract: With the development of science and technology,numerous synthetic methods of 2,3,5-trimethylbenzoquinone(TMBQ),an important intermediate for the manufacture of vitamin E,have emerged. Research progress on the catalytic oxidation of 2,3,6-trimethylphenol(TMP) to TMBQ is reviewed. The catalysts used in thermal catalytic oxidation are mainly summarized. Possible mechanism of the oxidation reaction is presented. In addition,the innovative photocatalytic oxidation and liquid jet loop reactor (LJLR)'s applications in such synthesis are briefly introduced. Photocatalytic oxidation is safe,non-toxic and of great stability and low energy consumption. LJLR can intensify the heat and mass transfer between substances and can be easily operated. Considering that the domestic production of TMP is limited,we believe developing new efficient catalysts and seeking novel synthetic means have become researchers' major tasks. There are also other promising routes to synthesize TMBQ. As reported,1,2,4-trimethylbenzene(TMB),which is of competitive price and rich in resources,can be directly oxidized to TMBQ in the presence of catalysts. This approach is very likely to be the main way to synthesize TMBQ in the near future.

Key words: 2,3,6-trimethylphenol, 2,3,5-trimethylbenzoquinone, catalysis, oxidation, synthesis, chemical reactor