Direct conversion of ethane to alcohols by high pressure controlled oxidation

A process directly converting ethane to ethanol and methanol uses controlled oxidation. The reaction takes place in an inert reactor, i.e., one having internal surfaces which do not affect the reaction, in the absence of a catalyst. The ethane is intimately mixed with air or oxygen prior to the introduction of the mixed gases into a heated pre-reactor which allows the pre-reaction or induction period to proceed. The pre-reacted gases then enter the reactor where the reaction takes place at elevated temperatures of 200 DEG to 350 DEG and at elevated pressure of from 10 to 150 atmospheres. The percentage of oxygen in the mixture of reactant gases is kept below 15% by volume and is preferably 2 to 10% by volume. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also described.