Methane activation by silica-supported Zr(iv) hydrides: the dihydride [(
SiO)2ZrH2] is much faster than the monohydride [(
SiO)3ZrH]
Abstract
The silica-supported Zr(IV) dihydride [(SiO)2ZrH2] reacts quickly and completely with methane to yield [(
SiO)2ZrMe2] through the intermediate [(
SiO)2ZrHMe], while its monohydride analogue [(
SiO)3ZrH] yields the monomethylated product [(
SiO)3ZrMe] slowly and incompletely.