Oxidation of methane to methanol with O-2 catalyzed by the europium systemunder mild conditions

Details of the oxidation of CH4 to MeOH catalyzed by the EuCl3 system (EuCl 3, O-2, Zn-0 powder, and CF3CO2H) were described. Effects of reaction condi tions on the formation of MeOH and CO2 were studied at room temperature. Th ese results suggested that MeOH was produced from CH4 and CO2, from CF3CO2H . MeOH was converted to CF3CO2H by the esterification in the reaction mixtu re. Active species in the EuCl3 system could not oxidized CF3CO2Me (MeOH). Selective oxygenation of C2H6 (76% selectivity) and C3H8 (91%) were catalyz ed by the EuCl3 system. When MeCO2H was used for the oxidation of C2H6 and C3H8 instead of CF3CO2H, the selective oxygenation was also performed by th e EuCl3 system. Product selectivities with respect to primary and secondary bonds in the oxidation of C3H8 suggested that an electrophilic active oxyg en species generated in the EuCl3 system.