AgII -Mediated Electrocatalytic Ambient CH4 Functionalization Inspired by HSAB Theory

Danlei Xiang1, Jesus A Iñiguez1, Jiao Deng1

  • 1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.

Summary

Divalent silver (AgII) readily functionalizes methane (CH4) into methyl bisulfate under ambient conditions. This breakthrough offers efficient methane conversion with high selectivity, paving the way for natural gas utilization.

Related Concept Videos

Reduction of Alkenes: Asymmetric Catalytic Hydrogenation02:17

Reduction of Alkenes: Asymmetric Catalytic Hydrogenation

Catalytic hydrogenation of alkenes is a transition-metal catalyzed reduction of the double bond using molecular hydrogen to give alkanes. The mode of hydrogen addition follows syn stereochemistry.
The metal catalyst used can be either heterogeneous or homogeneous. When hydrogenation of an alkene generates a chiral center, a pair of enantiomeric products is expected to form. However, an enantiomeric excess of one of the products can be facilitated using an enantioselective reaction or an...
3.6K
Electrophilic 1,2- and 1,4-Addition of HX to 1,3-Butadiene01:17

Electrophilic 1,2- and 1,4-Addition of HX to 1,3-Butadiene

The electrophilic addition of hydrogen halides such as HBr to alkenes and nonconjugated dienes gives a single product as per Markovnikov’s rule.
6.7K
Radical Substitution: Hydrogenolysis of Alkyl Halides with Tributyltin Hydride01:26

Radical Substitution: Hydrogenolysis of Alkyl Halides with Tributyltin Hydride

Radical substitution reactions can be used to remove functional groups from molecules. The hydrogenolysis of alkyl halides is one such reaction, where the weak Sn–H bond in tributyltin hydride reacts with alkyl halides to form alkanes. Here, the reagent Bu3SnH yields tributyltin halide as a byproduct.
The bonds formed in this reaction are stronger than the bonds broken, making it energetically favorable. The reaction follows a radical chain mechanism similar to radical halogenation reactions,...
2.0K
Regioselectivity and Stereochemistry of Acid-Catalyzed Hydration02:34

Regioselectivity and Stereochemistry of Acid-Catalyzed Hydration

The rate of acid-catalyzed hydration of alkenes depends on the alkene's structure, as the presence of alkyl substituents at the double bond can significantly influence the rate.
8.8K
Reduction of Alkenes: Catalytic Hydrogenation02:13

Reduction of Alkenes: Catalytic Hydrogenation

Alkenes undergo reduction by the addition of molecular hydrogen to give alkanes. Because the process generally occurs in the presence of a transition-metal catalyst, the reaction is called catalytic hydrogenation.
Metals like palladium, platinum, and nickel are commonly used in their solid forms — fine powder on an inert surface. As these catalysts remain insoluble in the reaction mixture, they are referred to as heterogeneous catalysts.
The hydrogenation process takes place on the...
12.9K
Electrophilic Addition to Alkynes: Hydrohalogenation02:35

Electrophilic Addition to Alkynes: Hydrohalogenation

Electrophilic addition of hydrogen halides, HX (X = Cl, Br or I) to alkenes forms alkyl halides as per Markovnikov's rule, where the hydrogen gets added to the less substituted carbon of the double bond. Hydrohalogenation of alkynes takes place in a similar manner, with the first addition of HX forming a vinyl halide and the second giving a geminal dihalide.
10.6K