Conversion of methane to methanol via methanol derivatives such as methyl bisulfate (MBS) allows to achieve high selectivity and yield, but separating MBS from oxidizing agents such as sulfuric acid is an energy-intense step. Here, the authors eliminate the need for separation of MBS from sulfuric acid by replacing the former with methyl trifluoroacetate, which is subsequently hydrolyzed into high-purity methanol.
- Jaehyung Im
- Seok-Hyeon Cheong
- Ung Lee
