Process for upgrading light hydrocarbons using oxidative coupling and pyrolysis

摘要

A process for converting a gaseous reactant comprising methane or natural gas to higher molecular weight hydrocarbon products is disclosed which comprises: (1) contacting said gaseous reactant with an oxidative coupling catalyst at a reaction temperature in the range of about 500. degree. C. to about 1100° C. for an effective period of time to form an intermediate product comprising ethane, ethylene or a mixture thereof; and (2) pyrolyzing said intermediate product at a temperature in the range of about 900° C. to about 1500° C. for an effective period of time to form said higher molecular weight hydrocarbon products.