Single-pot conversion of methane into acetic acid in the absence of CO and with vanadium catalysts such as amavadine.

Abstract

Although its biological function is still unknown, the naturally occurring vanadium complex amavadine may be suitable for industrial applications: This compound (as well as other VIV and VV complexes with N,O and O,O ligands) are shown to act as catalysts for the direct conversion of methane into acetic acid, without requiring CO, under very mild conditions and in high yields (see scheme).