|
|
Article: Activating alkanes the light way.
- Article from:
- Chemistry and Industry
- Article date:
- July 1, 1991
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1991 Society of Chemical Industry. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
Activating Alkanes the Light Way
It's time to scotch the notion that alkanes are inert: now even methane proves reactive towards suitable organometallics under ultraviolet irradiation
The most popular approach to methane activation on an industrial scale is based on partial oxidation over an oxide catalyst such as lithium-doped magnesium oxide at very high temperatures (above 750 [degrees] C).[1] Under the right conditions up to 25 per cent of the methane is converted to ethane and ethylene, while the driving force is provided by the partial combustion to CO and [CO.sub.2]. At present, there remain problems in obtaining high conversions and selectivities ...