Abstract: A polydentate binucleating ligand having at least four donor sites selected from N, O and S, complexed with two atoms of the same metal, forms a coordination complex useful in homogeneous catalysis. Most preferably, all the metal cations are Cu cations and the ligand has a meta-xylyl functionality.

Abstract: A purified hydroxylase enzyme component A of the methane monooxygenase enzyme isolated from the soluble fraction of Methylobacterium organophilum (CRL.26) (NRRL B-11,222) is found to contain three subunits. Any component A derived from methylotrophs having the particular characteristics of this isolated component A may be employed in conjunction with the flavoprotein component C of the methane monooxygenase enzyme, preferably the flavoportein component derived from the same organism, to catalyze the oxidation of various oxidizable organic substrates to their respective oxidation products. Preferably, the substrate is propylene.