One-step propane partial oxidation to acrylic acid and acrolein has been studied widely. Research on the catalyst systems has been accompanied by investigations of various reactor configurations in order to improve acrylic acid/acrolein yield for achieving industrial applications. Based on the reaction kinetics, lower gas-phase oxygen concentration supports the desired reaction path to the oxygenate products. Therefore, novel reactor concepts that can continuously provide uniform and controllable oxygen concentration have the potential for acrylic acid/acrolein yield enhancement. In this way, alternative reactor technologies from reactor structuring, fluidization to membrane type have been proposed. In this work, the actual state of these efforts is reviewed. The advantages and disadvantages of each concept are pointed out. However, the assessment of a new technology due to the numerous aspects that have to be considered is very difficult. It is suggested that circulating fluidized bed is a much preferred solution with respect to the acrylic acid/acrolein yield improvement.
