Comment on "Selective anaerobic oxidation of methane enables direct synthesis of methanol".
editorial · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 29026016.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1126/science.aan5970.
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Abstract
Sushkevich <i>et al</i> (Reports, 5 May 2017, p. 523) report on the use of water to oxidize methane to methanol. This seems problematic because the reaction of CH<sub>4</sub> and water to generate methanol and H<sub>2</sub> is highly unfavorable at any temperature (Δ<i>G</i> of reaction ≈ +28 kcal/mol at 200°C, equilibrium constant <i>K</i> ≈ 10<sup>-13</sup>). Consequently, even if the reaction is separated into two steps, it seems inconceivable to carry out such a net reaction in a practical manner.
Medical subject headings
- Methane
- Methanol