Functionalization of methane using molecular metal complexes as catalysts

Abstract

Efficient and selective functionalization of methane is one of the most important tasks in chemistry in light of its utilization as a naturally abundant feedstock toward the development of a sustainable society. This article surveys recent progress in oxidative conversion and C–H activation of methane to obtain useful functionalized products using molecular metal complexes as catalysts. The reactions proceed through C–H bond cleavage by high-valent metal–oxo complexes and also through C–H bond activation at lower-valent metal centers to form a C–O or C–C bond as a result of oxygen-rebound, reductive elimination or insertion processes. We also mention the importance of hydrophobic environments around metal centers to capture the methane molecule to be ready for the oxidative conversion toward the improvement of efficiency and product selectivity of CH₄ oxidation.