Abstract: A continuous process for the catalytic oxidative coupling in the presence of oxygen or an oxygen containing gas to C.sub.n H.sub.m hydrocarbons (n.gtoreq.2, m=2n or 2n+2) at temperatures between 500.degree. and 900.degree. C., with partial pressures of methane above 0.5 bar and a ratio of the partial pressures of methane and oxygen between 1 and 20 is described. This process uses oxides, peroxides, hyperoxides, hydroxides, carbonates, sulfates, phosphates and silicates of the elements belonging to the 1., 2. and 4. main group of the periodic system as catalysts with and without a support material.

Abstract: Process and device for the production of ethane and/or ethylene by heterogeneous catalytic reaction of methane and oxygen using a catalyst suitable for the formation of C.sub.2 hydrocarbons at increased temperatures, whereby in continuous operation a mixture of methane and oxygen is reacted at temperatures between 500.degree. and 900.degree. C. and at an oxygen partial pressure of less than 0.5 bar at the reactor entrance, while the ratio of the methane partial pressure to the oxygen partial pressure is greater than 1.The conversion reaction takes place with or without gas recycling in a reactor containing a bed of solid catalyst or by the use of a fluidized bed of fluidized catalyst particles, or in a cross-flow reactor with distributed input of oxygen.