Pd(OAc)₂ and chloranil-catalyzed oxidation of low-concentration coal mine gases to methanol

A self-made experimental system was used to study the catalytic oxidation of low-concentration coal mine gases to methanol in acetic acid solution.With Pd(OAc)₂ as catalyst, addition of p-benzoquinone or chloranil in the reaction system provides a beneficial environment for activation of methane, and chloranil shows a more positive effect.Chloranil amount and reaction temperature and pressure are the key factors influencing the catalytic properties.The target product yield has a positive relationship with these three factors.CH₃OH is formed from the reaction of generated H₂O₂ and CH₄.CH₃COOCH₃ is generated via two routes;one is direct oxidation of Pd²⁺ and CH₄, the other is esterification of CH₃OH and CH₃COOH.