Two-Step Methane Conversion to Alkynes and Dienes

65012 Many basic chemicals used as feedstock for the chemical and petrochemical industries, such as ethylene, propylene and xylene, are derived from the refining of petroleum. However, there is a recognized need to decrease domestic dependence on imported petroleum and to shift dependence to the domestic natural gas supply. Consequently, there is considerable interest in the selective production of basic chemicals from natural gas. This project will develop a novel process for the selective conversion of methane to alkynes and dienes, which can be subsequently converted to olefins for use as chemical and petrochemical feedstock. Phase I will develop techniques to synthesize novel carbon-containing intermediates from methane. In addition, a preliminary engineering and economic evaluation of a commercial-scale methane conversion process based on this concept will be developed. Commercial Applications And Other Benefits as described by awardee: The technology should provide a novel, cost-effective method to enable the commercial development of gas-to-olefin conversion technology.