Activation of methane with organopalladium complexes

• Published in: Catalysis today 1997-04, Vol.35 (4), p.407-413
• Main Authors: Taylor, Charles E., Anderson, Richard R., Noceti, Richard P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Catalysis; Catalytic reactions; Chemistry; Exact sciences and technology; General and physical chemistry; Methane activation; Methanol; Organopalladium complexes; Palladium; Theory of reactions, general kinetics. Catalysis. Nomenclature, chemical documentation, computer chemistry
• ISSN: 0920-5861; 1873-4308
• DOI: 10.1016/S0920-5861(96)00213-1

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 [1–5]. 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 et al. [3]. The reported reaction occurs between methane (at 800 psig 5.52 MPa) and palladium(II) acetate in trifluoroacetic acid at 80°C (Eq. (1)). The product, methyl trifluoroacetate, is readily hydrolyzed to produce methanol and trifluoroacetic acid. It is reported that methyl trifluoroacetate is produced with reported conversions, calculated on palladium metal recovery, of ∼ 60 percent. CH 4+ Pd(O 2 CCH 3) 2 → 80° C, 800 PSIG CF 3 COOH CF 3 CO 2 CH 3+ Pd.