Researchers report the catalysis of a highly specific chemical reaction where oxygen from the air is one ingredient and the other, an organic molecule, is selectively ‘oxidized’. A simple manganese compound catalyses this reaction. This type of methodology is an important step for the discovery of new catalysts, for example, for the conversion of methane into methanol or greener chemical processes for pharmaceutical production.

Read more here:: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/matter_energy/fuel_cells/~3/w3RnrhfAvmY/160128113826.htm