Methane may be converted to benzene over a Mo/ZSM-5 zeolite that is in the acidic form. Benzene selectivities of 65 percent have been achieved at methane conversion levels of ca. 10 percent. Mo_2C is believed to activate CH-4. Ethylene which is formed as an intermediate is converted to benzene over the acidic centers in the zeolite. The development of C_6H_6 selectivity during the first 1 h on stream is attributed to coke-induced constraints in the zeolite which inhibit the formation of polycyclic aromatics, including naphthalene.
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