Direct catalytic oxidation of methane to methanol over zeolite encapsulated transition metal complexes

Zeolite encapsulated metal complexes ML (M=Cu or Mn; L=salen or substituted salens or octaaza macrocyclic ligand) have been synthesized and their cata lytic activities studied for the selective aerobic oxidation of methane at 273 K using TBHP as a promoter and acetonitrile or water as solvent. The ze olite encapsulated macrocyclic complex is found to be a better catalyst for the oxidation of methane with respect to conversion and selectivity toward s methanol. Acetonitrile seems to be a good solvent for this reaction. Cata lyst could be recycled and reused.