Direct Oxidation of Methane with Organometallic Reactions

Abstract

Selective, direct oxidation of methane to methanol is a process of scientific interest and industrial importance. Reports have appeared in the literature describing the use of organometallic complexes to effect this transformation.1,2 Investigation of one of these reaction schemes in our laboratory has produced interesting results. Our research effort was an extension of work reported by Sen and co-workers.3–4 The purported reaction occurs between methane (at 800 psig 5.52 MPa) and palladium(II) acetate in trifluoroacetic acid at 80°C (Equation 1). The product, methyl trifluoroacetate, is readily hydrolyzed to produce methanol and trifluoroacetic acid.