Benzaldehyde is produced from toluene in the catalytic reaction
C6H5CH3 + O2 → C6H5CHO + H2O
Dry air and toluene vapor are mixed and fed to the reactor at 350.0°F and 1 atm. Air is supplied in 200.0% excess.
Of the toluene fed to the reactor, 13.0% reacts to form benzaldehyde and 0.100% reacts with oxygen to form CO2 and H2O.
The product gases leave the reactor at 379°F and 1 atm.
Water is circulated through a jacket surrounding the reactor, entering at 80.0°F and leaving at 105°F.
During a four-hour test period, 29.3 lbm of water is condensed from the product gases. (Total condensation may be assumed.)
The standard heat of formation of benzaldehyde vapor is –17,200 Btu/lb-mole; the heat capacities of both toluene and benzeldehyde vapors are approximately 31.0 Btu/(lb-mole °F); and that of liquid benzaldehyde is 46.0 Btu/(lb-mole·°F).
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