The New Pathway for Methanol Synthesis: Generation of CH3 Radicals from Alkanes

Abstract

Methanol synthesis was achieved by a free-radical reaction mechanism through reaction of methyl radical with water molecule at a temperature of 100°C, at an atmospheric pressure, in the presence of nitrogen-dioxide radical and under ultra-violet radiation (λ>250 nm). The major product was methanol and nitrous acid. It is expected that only the participation of catalysts and a low-temperature reaction of alkanes would not only control the reaction but also give outstanding results.