Cumene hydroperoxide is involved as an organic peroxide in the production of propylene oxide by the oxidation of propylene. This technology was commercialized by Sumitomo Chemical.[6]
The oxidation by cumene hydroperoxide of propylene affords propylene oxide and the byproduct 2-phenylpropan-2-ol. The reaction follows this stoichiometry:
CH 3CHCH 2 + C 6H 5C(CH 3) 2OOH → CH 3CHCH 2O + C 6H 5C(CH 3) 2OH
↑Roger A. Sheldon (1983). Patai, Saul (ed.). Syntheses and Uses of Hydroperoxides and Dialkylperoxides. PATAI'S Chemistry of Functional Groups. John Wiley & Sons. doi:10.1002/9780470771730.ch6.