Direct plasma synthesis of a high-value C–N–O compound with inert N 2 and CH 4 (opens in new tab)

Direct co-conversion of earth-abundant N2 and CH4 to high-value C–N–O compounds is a promising synthetic method but remains challenging, as the activation of N2 and CH4 typically requires high-energy conditions that can cause product decomposition. Here we report a plasma-cascade process for synthesizing cyclohexanone cyanohydrin (Cy(OH)CN) via direct coupling of N2 and CH4 plasma with cyclohexanone. This catalyst-free process achieves a Cy(OH)CN formation rate of 0.60 mmol h−1 with a high se...