A process for producing propylene oxide, which comprises the following
steps below, and a step for removing alcohols of the carbon number of 2
to 3, cyclohexanol and/or isopropylcyclohexane outside of the reaction
system in at least one place of the steps or between which the steps are
connected:oxidation step: a step of obtaining cumene hydroperoxide by
oxidizing cumene;epoxidation step: a step of obtaining propylene oxide
and cumyl alcohol by reacting cumene hydroperoxide obtained in the
oxidation step with propylene in an excess amount in a liquid in the
presence of a solid catalyst; andhydrogenolysis step: a step of obtain
cumene by subjecting cumyl alcohol obtained in the epoxidation step to
hydrogenolysis, and recycling the cumene to the oxidation step as the raw
material for the oxidation step.