Abstract: This invention is an improved process for the selective oxidation of lower alkane starting materials (such as methane) into esters and, optionally, into various derivatives (such as methanol) in oxidizing acidic media using a stable platinum group metal ligand catalyst complex at elevated temperatures and to a class of novel platinum group metal ligand complexes employed bidiazine ligands, which are sufficiently stable in the oxidizing acidic media at elevated temperatures to be effective catalysts in the alkane conversion reaction.

Abstract: A diastereomer complex obtained via a process for the separation of enantiomers is disclosed, wherein separation can be rapidly effected such that enantiomers are obtained with high e.e. values. The process permits the separation of mixtures of enantiomers in which more than one resolving agent is used, of which at least one resolving agent is optically active, and which yields a diastereomer complex containing at least two resolving agents in optically active form. The process provides for, inter alia, a diastereomer complex having at least three compounds of which at least two compounds are resolving agents in optically active form, and at least one compound is an enantiomer in optically active form. Also provided is a diastereomer complex having at least three compounds of which at least one compound is a resolving agent in optically active form, and at least two compounds which are enantiomers in optically active form.

Abstract: This invention is a process for converting lower alkanes into their corresponding esters and optionally into various intermediates (such as alcohols) and other liquid hydrocarbons. The alkanes are oxidatively converted to oxy-esters at high selectivity and conversion and at practical reaction rates using at least catalytic amounts of certain class "B" metals and/or metal ions defined by the Pearson definition as "soft" or "borderline". Desirable catalysts comprise such metals as Pd, Tl, Pt, Hg, and Au. If so desired, the alkyl oxy-esters may be converted to alcohols or other intermediates such as alkyl halides. The oxy-esters, alcohols, and other intermediates may optionally be converted to liquid hydrocarbons such as gasoline.

Abstract: This invention is a process for converting lower alkanes into their corresponding esters and optionally into various intermediates (such as methanol) and other liquid hydrocarbons. The alkanes are oxidatively converted to oxy-esters at high selectivity using catalytic amounts of a Group VIII noble metal. If so desired, the alkyl oxy-esters may be converted to alcohols or other intermediates such as alkyl halides. The oxy-esters, alcohols, and other intermediates may optionally be converted to liquid hydrocarbons such as gasoline.