| abstract |
a process is provided to convert an alkane to an alkene. the process comprises (a) contacting the alkane and (i) an oxidizing electrophile comprising an element of the main group in the oxidized form, or (ii) an oxidizing and reduced form of the oxidizing electrophile, in a liquid medium comprising an acid oxygen and optionally, one or more additives selected from a non-oxidizable liquid, a salt additive, a lewis acid and water, to provide an oxidized intermediate and a reduced form of the oxidizing electrophile; (b) optionally separating the oxidized intermediate and the reduced form from the oxidizing electrophile; and (c) performing an elimination reaction on the oxidized intermediate to provide the alkene and oxygen acid. |