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A study of catalysts and mechanism in synthesis reactions

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5053509· OSTI ID:5053509

It is becoming increasingly evident that surface-generated gas-phase radicals play an important role in the catalytic oxidation of hydrocarbons. The most notable example is the oxidative coupling of methane which is initiated by the formation of CH{sub 3}{center dot}radical at the surfaces of metal oxides. More recently, emphasis has been placed on the secondary reactions that the radicals undergo when they react with a metal oxide surface. These reactions may be important in determining product selectivity, as CH{sub 3}{center dot}radicals will collide with the surface many times before they react with another CH{sub 3}{center dot}radical. If secondary surfaces results in complete oxidation, then the selectivity for the oxidative coupling reaction would be severely diminished. Another current aspect of the work is the emanation of OH{center dot}radicals from platinum and palladium metal surfaces. Hydroxyl radicals are known to be chain carriers during combustion reactions, and the metal surface may serve to introduce these radicals into the gas phase. 10 refs., 3 figs.

Research Organization:
Texas A and M Univ., College Station, TX (United States). Dept. of Chemistry
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
FG05-88ER13829
OSTI ID:
5053509
Report Number(s):
DOE/ER/13829-6; ON: DE92002536
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English