Question

When a manganese-based catalyst is used at 100 °C, methane can be oxidised to ______.

Options

• ethanol

• methanol

• formic acid

• ethane

Answer 1

When a manganese-based catalyst is used at 100 °C, methane can be oxidised to formic acid.

Explanation:

The controlled oxidation of methane depends heavily on the catalyst used. While a copper tube oxidizes methane to methanol, using a manganese-based catalyst at 100°C drives the reaction further to directly yield formic acid (HCOOH).