Selective oxidation of light alkanes under mild conditions

Abstract Methanotrophs mediate the conversion of methane (CH4) into methanol selectively and efficiently near ambient conditions so we can learn from microbes to develop biomimetic catalysts capable of performing this difficult chemistry. This review highlights the development of a tricopper cluster catalyst that functions just like the particulate methane monooxygenase enzyme in methanotrophic bacteria. The performance of this catalytic system formulated for quasi-heterogeneous catalysis is compared with other heterogeneous catalysts derived from Cu- and Fe-based zeolites and Cu-mordenites known to activate CH4 stoichiometrically near 200 oC. We also highlight a unique catalytic system, in which the oxidizing power of both O-atoms of the O2 molecule can be harnessed for oxidation of toluene to yield benzaldehyde at room temperature.