Oxidation of propane to acetone and of ethane to acetaldehyde by O2 in zeolites with complete selectivity

Oxidation of propane by O₂ to acetone was observed in solvent-free BaY and CaY under irradiation with visible light as well as under dark thermal conditions. The reaction was monitored in situ by FT-infrared spectroscopy. In the case of the photochemical oxidation, isopropyl hydroperoxide was detected as reaction intermediate. No byproduct was observed even upon > 50% conversion of the alkane. Ethane was oxidized completely selectively to acetaldehyde in CaY under irradiation with blue light. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.