Atlantic Richfield Company

Howard P Withers

John A Sofranko

C Andrew Jones

John J Leonard

A method for synthesizing hydrocarbons from a methane source which comprises contacting methane with a reducible oxide of Fe. The iron oxide is preferably combined with an amount of alkali and/or alkaline earth metal which is sufficient to improve the selectively to higher hydrocarbon products. The oxide is reduced by the contact which is carried at about 500.degree. to 1000.degree. C. Reducible oxides of Fe are regenerated by oxidizing the reduced composition with oxygen. The oxide Fe.sub.3 O.sub.4 is particularly effective in the process. Bulk iron oxides promoted by sodium and/or compounds thereof are particularly preferred contact solids.

Methane conversion

A method for dehydrogenating dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons which comprises contacting said hydrocarbon with an oxide of Ru having combined therewith an amount of alkali and/or alkaline earth metal which is sufficient to improve the selectivity to dehydrogenated hydrocarbon products. The oxide is reduced by the contact which is preferably carried at about 500.degree. to 1000.degree. C. Reducible oxides of Ru are regenerated by oxidizing the reduced composition wth oxygen. Bulk ruthenium oxides promoted by sodium and/or compounds thereof are particularly preferred contact solids.

Hydrocarbon dehydrogenation

A method is disclosed for converting methane to higher hydrocarbon product by contacting methane with a solid which comprises a reducible metal oxide which when contacted with methane at a temperature within the range of about 500.degree. to 1000.degree. C. is reduced and produces higher hydrocarbon products and a promoting amount of at least one chalcogen component. The preferred chalcogen components are selected from a group consisting of sulfur, selenium, tellurium, and compounds thereof.

An improved method for converting methane to higher hydrocarbon products by contacting a hydrocarbon gas comprising methane, an oxygen-containing gas and a reducible metal oxide under synthesis conditions, the improvement which comprises contacting methane and oxygen with a contact solid which also contains a promoting amount of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, and/or compounds thereof. Sodium is a particularly effective promoter. Stability of the promoted contact agent is enhanced by the presence of minor amounts of phosphorus.

Methane conversion process

A method for synthesizing hydrocarbons from a methane source which comprises contacting methane with an oxide of Ru having combined therewith an amount of alkali and/or alkaline earth metal which is sufficient to improve the selectivity to higher hydrocarbon products. The oxide is reduced by the contact which is carried at about 500.degree. to 1000.degree. C. Reducible oxides of Ru are regenerated by oxidizing the reduced composition with oxygen. Bulk ruthenium oxides promoted by sodium and/or compounds thereof are particularly preferred contact solids.

Growing community of inventors

Pottstown, PA, United States of America

Howard P Withers