The mechanism of the partial oxidation of methane

The principal characteristics of the homogeneous and heterogeneous-catalytic conversion of methane into condensation products (C₂ and C₃ hydrocarbons) and partial oxidation products (methanol and formaldehyde) are considered. Data are presented concerning the most effective catalysts and data relating to the mechanism of the activation of methane on oxide and oxide halide catalysts, the nature of the active centres, and the kinetics of the partial oxidation of methane are analysed. It is shown that the oxidative condensation of methane in the presence of the catalysts considered is a heterogeneous-homogeneous process, which imposes special requirements in its practical realisation.
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