Abstract: A gas-phase process is provided for catalytic conversion of a lower alkane comprising at most 5 carbon atoms to at least one produce selected from the group consisting of alcohols, aldehydes and mixtures thereof. The process comprises bringing said lower alkane into contact with an oxidising agent in the presence of a catalyst comprising at least one platinum complex. The invention also provides such catalyst for use in the process. The catalyst comprises a platinum complex having a platinum cation core. It has two ligands selected from amino ligands, hydroxyl ligands and immidazolyl ligands whereby the complex is bonded chemically to a metal oxide support. It also has four other ligands selected from hydroxyl ligands, chloro ligands and amino ligands.

Abstract: The presence of trace molecules in air is often determined using high sensitivity gas sensing instruments, such as an ion mobility spectrometer. Such devices are commonly utilized in the fields of explosives detection, identification of narcotics, and in applications characterized by the presence of very low airborne concentrations of organic molecules of special interest. The sensitivity of such instruments is dependent on the concentration of target gas in the sample. The sampling efficiency can be greatly improved when the target object is warmed, even by only a few degrees. A directed emission of photons in the range between infrared and ultraviolet light can be used to significantly enhance vapor emission.