One-step H2O2 and phenol syntheses: examples of challenges for new sustainable selective oxidation processes

Selected results which outline issues and perspectives on the direct synthesis of H2O2 from H2/O2 and of phenol by benzene hydroxylation with H2O2, as examples of the challenges for new sustainable selective oxidation processes, are presented after an introduction on the industrial context underlying the motivations to develop these reactions. It is shown how they combine a lower impact on the environment and meet together demand and process economics opportunities giving a chance for innovation not only limited to a chemical production context, e.g. they are an interesting example of trends for a sustainable chemical production.