Inhibition of C2 oxidation by methane under oxidative coupling conditions

The gas-phase partial oxidation of ethane and ethylene have been studied in a completely stirred tank reactor over the temperature range of 920-1220 K, at total pressures from 40 to 100 Torr, and at residence times between 0.1 and 1 s. Methane was found to have a pronounced inhibiting effect upon the partial oxidation of both C₂ species. Ethylene is the principal carbon-containing product of partial oxidation of ethane. The ratio of the selectivities to ethylene and carbon monoxide depends only on the extent of conversion of the ethane and not on the presence of methane in the reactants. Carbon monoxide is the principal product of partial oxidation of ethylene. A detailed chemical kinetic reaction model has been developed to simulate the partial oxidation of the C₂ species and to model the inhibiting effect of the methane on C₂ oxidation.