For decades, the chemical industry has sought a way to directly convert abundant, yet stubbornly stable, natural gas into valuable chemicals. Now, researchers at the Center for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS) at the University of Santiago de Compostela have achieved a breakthrough: a catalyst that transforms methane and other natural gas components into complex molecules, including a key ingredient for hormone therapy. This advance, published in Science Advances, represents a crucial step toward a more sustainable and circular chemical economy.
The Challenge of Taming Methane
Natural gas, primarily composed of methane, ethane, and propane, is an energy source, but its extreme stability has limited its use as a feedstock for chemical production. Conventional methods rely on energy-intensive and polluting processes. The core difficulty lies in activating these hydrocarbons without unwanted byproducts.
A Novel Photocatalytic Approach
The CiQUS team, led by Martín Fañanás, developed a photocatalytic system that directly converts methane into bioactive compounds. For the first time, they successfully synthesized dimestrol, a non-steroidal estrogen used in hormone therapy, directly from methane. This demonstrates the potential to create high-value molecules from a simple, low-cost raw material.
The Key: A Tailored Supramolecular Catalyst
The breakthrough hinges on a reaction called allylation, which attaches a chemical “handle” to the gas molecule, enabling further modifications. The primary hurdle was unwanted chlorination byproducts. To overcome this, the team engineered a catalyst based on a tetrachloroferrate anion stabilized by collidinium cations.
“The catalyst’s design modulates the reactivity of radical species, while suppressing unwanted chlorination,” explains Prof. Fañanás. A network of hydrogen bonds around the iron atom sustains reactivity, creating an optimal environment for selective allylation.
Sustainability at the Core
The method stands out for its sustainability. It uses iron, a cheap and abundant metal, rather than precious metals typically used in catalysis. The reaction operates under mild conditions, powered by LED light, reducing environmental impact and energy costs.
Beyond Dimestrol: Expanding the Possibilities
In a complementary study published in Cell Reports Physical Science, the same team demonstrated a method to directly couple natural gas with acid chlorides, yielding industrially relevant ketones in a single step. Both studies position CiQUS as a leader in sustainable chemical solutions.
Implications for the Future
The ability to convert natural gas into versatile chemical intermediates opens new possibilities for industry. This technology could gradually replace petrochemical sources with sustainable alternatives. This cutting-edge research is made possible by the excellence environment at CiQUS, recognized by the CIGUS accreditation from the Galician government.
This breakthrough represents a significant step toward a circular chemical economy, where abundant raw materials are harnessed sustainably. By directly converting natural gas into valuable compounds, the CiQUS team has paved the way for a more environmentally friendly and resource-efficient future for the chemical industry
