Cs2Bi10Ca6Cl12O16: A New Type of Catalyst for Selective Oxidation Derived from Bismuth Oxychloride

Abstract
The title compound 1 is suitable for catalytic oxidative coupling of methane to give ethylene and ethane and for structural comparison with high‐temperature superconductors. Compound 1 was obtained, as shown below, in an open crucible at 800°C. As catalyst, it leads to 40% ethylene and 12% ethane for 21% conversion. Compound 1 has an interesting layer structure. The Bi3⊕ and Ca2⊕ ions can occupy the same positions, but are not randomly distributed. Similar structures have been postulated for high‐temperature super‐conductors. equation image