Catalytica, Inc.

Catalytica Associates, Inc.

Eric R Evitt

Janis Vasilevskis

Roy A Periana

Henry Taube

Paul L Ridgway

Douglas J Taube

This invention is a process for converting lower alkanes into their corresponding esters and optionally into various intermediates (such as alcohols) and other liquid hydrocarbons. The alkanes are oxidatively converted to oxy-esters at high selectivity and conversion and at practical reaction rates using at least catalytic amounts of certain class 'B' metals and/or metal ions defined by the Pearson definition as 'soft' or 'borderline'. Desirable catalysts comprise such metals as Pd, Tl, Pt, Hg, and Au. If so desired, the alkyl oxy-esters may be converted to alcohols or other intermediates such as alkyl halides. The oxy-esters, alcohols, and other intermediates may optionally be converted to liquid hydrocarbons such as gasoline.

Catalytic process for converting lower alkanes to esters, alcohols, and

This invention is a process for converting lower alkanes into their corresponding esters and optionally into various intermediates (such as methanol) and other liquid hydrocarbons. The alkanes are oxidatively converted to oxy-esters at high selectivity using catalytic amounts of a Group VIII noble metal. If so desired, the alkyl oxy-esters may be converted to alcohols or other intermediates such as alkyl halides. The oxy-esters, alcohols, and other intermediates may optionally be converted to liquid hydrocarbons such as gasoline.

Process for converting lower alkanes to esters

A substantially chloride-free palladium oxidation system, comprising a palladium component, a copper component, and a ligand is described. The Wacker system, consisting of palladium and copper chlorides is also improved by the addition of a ligand. The palladium and copper counterion are independently selected from BF.sub.4.sup.--, CF.sub.3 COO.sup.--, CH.sub.3 COO.sup.--, SO.sub.4.sup..dbd., and NO.sub.3.sup.--. The ligand is preferably a nitrile-containing compound.

Palladium-nitrile ligand catalyst system and oxidation processes

A substantially chloride-free palladium oxidation system, comprising a palladium component, a copper component, and a ligand is described. The Wacker system, consisting of palladium and copper chlorides is also improved by the addition of a ligand. The palladium and copper counterion are independently selected from BF.sub.4.sup.-, CF.sub.3 COO.sup.-, SO.sub.4.sup.=, and NO.sub.3.sup.-. The ligand is preferably a nitrile-containing compound.

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Mountain View, CA, United States of America

Eric R Evitt