Adipic acid is a very important industrial intermediate, since it is
used as a starting reagent in the preparation of nylon-6,6, a polymeric
material used in carpet fibres, tyre reinforcement, automobile
parts, clothing and many other everyday life applications.1
Adipic acid is currently industrially produced by the oxidation of
a cyclohexanol/cyclohexanone mixture or cyclohexane with nitric
acid.2 Nitrous oxide, or N2O, emission generated during the synthesis
(0.3 tonne emitted per tonne of adipic acid produced) contributes
to global warming and ozone depletion.3 Therefore, the
development of an industrial process that is less damaging for the
environment is of crucial importance