Cobalt‐Catalyzed Oxidation of Methane to Methyl Trifluoroacetate by Dioxygen

Abstract

Abstract The cobalt‐catalyzed oxidation of methane to methyl trifluoroacetate by molecular oxygen in trifluoroacetic acid has been studied in detail. Yields of up to 50 % based on methane were obtained. The catalytic activities were highly dependent on the anions of the cobalt salts (Co II , Co III ) under investigation. Deactivation by precipitation of the cobalt catalyst could be prevented by the addition of trifluoroacetic anhydride.