Activation of Methane by Oligomeric (Al₂O₃)_<i>x</i>⁺ (<i>x</i>=3,4,5): The Role of Oxygen‐Centered Radicals in Thermal Hydrogen‐Atom Abstraction

Abstract

A matter of radical sites and bond energies: Experimental and theoretical studies show that the cationic polynuclear aluminum oxide clusters, which are oligomeric systems of (Al2O3)x+ (x=3, 4, 5), activate methane at room temperature (see picture). In contrast, clusters with an odd number of aluminum atoms are unreactive. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2002/2008/z704791_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.