Selective catalytic oxidation of C1-C3 alkenes

A process for preparing an oxygenate product by direct conversion of a C1 -C3 alkane in either the gas or liquid phase, by contacting the selected alkane with hydrogen peroxide or a hydroperoxy species in the presence of a gold-based heterogeneous catalyst on a metal oxide support having a morphology of nanotubes, nanofibers, nanowires, or nanorods. The result is efficient conversion under mild conditions. The hydrogen peroxide or hydroperoxy species may themselves be prepared, in situ, by contacting a hydrogen source and oxygen in the presence of the same type of catalyst. The process may be particularly useful in the conversion of methane to methanol.