Catalytic conversion of light alkanes: Proof of concept stage

Abstract

During the stage at which this work ended, our program consisted of two phases which were running concurrently, a research phase and a proof-of-concept phase. The function of the research phase is to design synthesize and perform laboratory tests on new materials in order to enhance the catalytic properties of the suprabiotic systems generated in our laboratories. Increases in catalytic activity and process selectivity as well as extensions of structure-activity relationships are examined. The research phase is intended to provide the process development phases with catalysts having superior properties for light alkane oxidation. The second concurrent phase, is the proof-of-concept phase. In this phase process development of oxidations which have succeeded in the research phase are carried out in a pre-pilot PDU. At the conclusion of the cooperative agreement we were developing a process for the conversion of isobutane to (TBA), We have identified two routes for this transformation: a one-step route directly from isobutane to TBA, and a two-step route in which the isobutane is oxidized first to tert-butyl hydroperoxide and then transformed into TBA catalytically. This paper presents the results of these activities.