A novel integrated process for the functionalization of methane and ethane: bromine as mediator

We describe a novel, integrated multi-step process for the partial oxidation of alkanes to alcohols, ethers or olefins using O2 as oxidant. The sequential transformations are (1) alkane bromination to alkyl bromide(s) and HBr, (2) reaction of this mixture with solid metal oxide (MO) to neutralize the HBr and to generate oxygenated products or olefins plus solid metal bromide, and (3) oxidation of the spent solid with O2 to regenerate the metal oxide and Br2 for reuse.