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Updated: May 1, 2026

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Published on: May 26, 2021
Thermal methane activation by La(6)O(10)(-) cluster anions
Jing-Heng Meng1, Xiao-Jiao Deng, Zi-Yu Li
1Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongguancun North First Street 2, Beijing, 100190 (P.R. China), Fax: (+86) 10-62559373; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 (P.R. China).
Researchers discovered a novel metal oxide cluster anion, La6O10(-), capable of activating methane at room temperature. This breakthrough utilizes an oxygen-centered radical and a hydrogen atom transfer mechanism for efficient methane conversion.
Area of Science:
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Catalysis
- Surface Science
Background:
- Methane activation is crucial for utilizing natural gas.
- Developing efficient catalysts for methane conversion under ambient conditions remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first metal oxide cluster anion, La6O10(-), capable of activating methane.
- To elucidate the mechanism of methane activation by this cluster.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of the La6O10(-) cluster anion.
- Experimental investigation of methane activation reaction.
- Theoretical analysis of reaction mechanism and electronic properties.
Main Results:
- La6O10(-) effectively activates methane under ambient conditions.
- The reaction proceeds via an oxygen-centered radical (O(-⋅)).
- A hydrogen atom transfer mechanism was identified.
- The cluster exhibits high symmetry (C4v) and a high vertical electron detachment energy (VDE=4.06 eV).
Conclusions:
- La6O10(-) represents a new class of catalysts for methane activation.
- The unique electronic and structural properties of the cluster facilitate the reaction.
- This finding opens new avenues for developing advanced catalysts for C-H bond functionalization.
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