| abstract |
1,219,281. Oxidation of methane to formaldehyde. GAS COUNCIL. 16 April, 1968 [13 Jan., 1967], No. 1941/67. Heading C2C. [Also in Divisions B1 and C5] Methane is oxidized to formaldehyde by passing it together with air and steam over a catalyst composition comprising (1) thorium and/or a thorium oxide and/or a precursor therefor; (2) copper or its oxide and/or silver or its oxide; (3) up to 5% by weight of an alkali metal compound; and (4) a catalyst carrier. The process is preferably carried out at from 250‹ to 450‹ C., e.g. 280‹ to 300‹ C. |