Partial oxidation of ethane in a fuel cell-like electrochemical reactor inthe gas phase under mild conditions

Partial oxidation of ethane with dioxygen in a gas-phase, fuel cell-like el ectrochemical reactor under mild conditions is reported. Ethane is shown to be selectively oxidized to ethanol and acetaldehyde on the carbon gas-diff usion cathode in the presence of transition metal ions (Fe2+, Cu2+). The re action proceeds at ambient pressure and temperature in the range from 318 t o 353 K.