Catalytic conversion of light alkanes -- research and proof-of-concept stages
Objective is to find new catalysts for direct reaction of methane, ethane, propane, butanes with O{sub 2} to form alcohols, and to develop practical processes for direct oxidative conversion of natural gas and its C{sub 1}-C{sub 4} components to produce alcohol-rich liquid oxygenates for use as alternative transportation fuels/environmentally superior reformulated gasolines. The proposed mechanism for oxidation activity of cytochrome P-450 and methane monoxygenase suggested that a catalyst able to reductively bind oxygen, not between Fe(III) center and a proton, but between two Fe(III) centers, might give the desired dioxygenase activity for alkane hydroxylation. Selective oxidation of light alkanes could be done by oxidation-active metal (Fe) centers in electron-deficient prophyrin-like macrocycles, polyoxoanions, and zeolites. In the isobutane conversion to tert-butanol proof-of-concept, it was found that nitro groups on the periphery of Fe porphyrin complexes give the greatest increase in Fe(III)/(II) reduction potential. 8 figs, 6 tabs, 40 refs.
- Research Organization:
- Sun Co., Inc., Marcus Hook, PA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- FC21-90MC26029
- OSTI ID:
- 10120144
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/MC/26029--94/C0285; CONF-931156--12; ON: DE94006022; BR: AB0520000/AB0530150
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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