DIRECT SYNTHESIS OF ETHYLENE ETHANE FROM METHANE

Methane is one of the most thermodynamically stable hydrocarbons. It behaves very much like an inert molecule as it possesses both high molecular symmetry and high C-H bond dissociation energy. Economical processes for the production of higher hydrocarbons directly from methane have long been sought, but without success. Catalytic partial oxidation of methane offers the greatest promise as it removes thermodynamic constraints and has the potential for high hydrocarbon product selectivity over carbon oxides.