MANUFACTURE OF DIMETHYL ETHER OR OLEFINS FROM METHANE, USING DI(METHYL-SULFONYL) PEROXIDE AS RADICAL INITIATOR

摘要

Enhancements and options are disclosed for converting methane into other compounds, via methane-sulfonic acid (MSA). One enhancement involves using di(methyl- sulfonyl) peroxide (DMSP, formed by electrolysis of MSA) as the initiator to start a chain reaction that bonds methane to SO₃. Also disclosed are improvements in: (i) using catalysts to convert MSA into olefins, or into methyl-methane-sulfonate, an ester intermediate; (ii) converting MSA into dimethyl ether, a fuel that can be stored and transported under low pressures as a liquid; and, (iii) injecting DME directly into natural gas pipelines as "makeup" gas, to supplement natural gas supplies.