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Main-group compounds selectively activate natural gas alkanes under room temperature and atmospheric pressure

Author

Listed:
  • Runbo Pei

    (Nanjing University
    Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Wenju Chang

    (Fuzhou University)

  • Liancheng He

    (Nanjing University
    Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Tao Wang

    (Nanjing University)

  • Yue Zhao

    (Nanjing University)

  • Yong Liang

    (Nanjing University
    Nanjing University)

  • Xinping Wang

    (Nanjing University
    Chinese Academy of Sciences)

Abstract

Most C–H bond activations of natural gas alkanes rely on transition metal complexes. Activations by using main-group systems have been reported but required heating or photo-irradiation under high atmospheric pressure with rather low regioselectivity. Here we report that Lewis acid-carbene adducts facilely undergo oxidative additions to C–H bonds of ethane, propane and n-butane with high selectivity under room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The Lewis acids can be moved by the addition of a base and the carbene-derived products can be easily converted into aldehydes. This work offers a route for main-group element compounds to selectively functionalise C–H bonds of natural gas alkanes and other small molecules.

Suggested Citation

  • Runbo Pei & Wenju Chang & Liancheng He & Tao Wang & Yue Zhao & Yong Liang & Xinping Wang, 2024. "Main-group compounds selectively activate natural gas alkanes under room temperature and atmospheric pressure," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-7, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-52185-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52185-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Matthew N. Hopkinson & Christian Richter & Michael Schedler & Frank Glorius, 2014. "An overview of N-heterocyclic carbenes," Nature, Nature, vol. 510(7506), pages 485-496, June.
    2. Philip P. Power, 2010. "Main-group elements as transition metals," Nature, Nature, vol. 463(7278), pages 171-177, January.
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