In chemistry, the Halcon process refers to technology for the production of propylene oxide by oxidation of propylene with tert-butyl hydroperoxide.
The reaction requires metal catalysts, which typically contain molybdenum:[1] The byproduct tert-butanol is recycled or converted to other useful compounds.
The problems are attributed to the sensitivity of allylic C-H bonds.
The oxidation is thought to proceed by formation of Mo(η2-O2-tert-Bu) complexes.
The peroxy O center is rendered highly electrophilic, leading to attack on the alkene.