SELECTIVE OXYGENATION OF METHANE USING OXYGEN

A process for the complete or partial oxygenation of hydrocarbons comprises contacting a C1-C8 hydrocarbon, molecular oxygen, and hydrogen peroxide, in the presence of water and a heterogeneous catalyst, under conditions suitable to convert the C1-C8 hydrocarbon to at least one corresponding C1-C8 oxygenate product, wherein the heterogeneous catalyst provides confinement and contains both Brønsted-Lowry acid centers and Lewis acid centers. The reaction may be carried out at a temperature ranging from 2° C. to 90° C. The use of molecular oxygen increases the economic attractiveness of the process while also improving yield.