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.