Upgrading low molecular weight alkanes.

摘要

Catalysts comprising multicomponent oxide catalysts are provided that are particularly effective in an oxidative process for the upgrading of low molecular weight alkanes to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons especially for the upgrading of methane to form ethane and ethylene and their subsequent upgrading to substantially liquid hydrocarbon products. The catalysts have the formula: Aa Bb Cc Ox wherein A is Pb, Bi, Sn, Sb, Tl, In, Mn, Cd, Ge or mixtures thereof; B is Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, La, Ce, Sc, Y, Cu, Ni, Ti, Zr, Co, V or mixtures thereof; C is Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs or mixtures thereof; and wherein a is from about 0.1 to about 100; b is from about 0.1 to about 100; c is from 0.0 to about 100; and x is the number of oxygens needed to fulfill the valence requirements of the other elements. The process disclosed may be performed in the presence or absence of gaseous oxygen at elevated temperatues in a reactor containing the catalyst. The catalyst compositions remain stable for long periods of time.