Partial oxidation of propane on Nafion supported catalytic membranes

Nafion supported catalytic membranes were found to be effective in the part ial oxidation of propane to oxygenates with H2O2 in the presence of Fe2+ un der mild conditions. The influence of [Fe2+] and [H2O2] on the reaction rat e and product distribution in the temperature range 80-110 degrees C has be en ascertained. A reaction pathway involving the electrophilic activation o f propane on superacid sites and subsequent reaction of the activated propa ne molecules with OH radicals generated by Fe2+/H2O2 Fenton system is discu ssed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.