Why is Catalysis Important in Acrylonitrile Production?
The production of acrylonitrile is heavily reliant on catalytic processes. The primary method, known as the Sohio process, employs a catalyst to facilitate the oxidation of propylene in the presence of ammonia and air. Catalysis is crucial in this context because it enhances the rate of the chemical reaction, improves the yield of acrylonitrile, and reduces the formation of unwanted by-products.