Selective oxidation of light alkanes: Interaction between the catalyst andthe gas phase on different classes of catalytic materials

Some aspects concerning the chemistry of oxidative transformation of paraff ins catalyzed by different classes of materials are examined. Attention is given mainly to: (i) the role of the redox properties of transition metal o xide-based systems, and (ii) the contribution of radical-type, homogeneous and heterogeneously-initiated homogeneous reactions over nonreducible metal oxide catalysts. Technological solutions aimed at the control of oxidizing properties of the catalyst are also examined. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B. V. All rights reserved.