[ajax0604]

I am studying reaction pathways at the moment and I was wondering if it is possible to convert an alkane directly into an alkanol.  I have learnt that the alkane can be converted into a haloalkane, then reacted with hydroxide to make an alkanol but I would like to know if this can be done in one step. Thank you.

[Beatle]

I am studying reaction pathways at the moment and I was wondering if it is possible to convert an alkane directly into an alkanol.  I have learnt that the alkane can be converted into a haloalkane, then reacted with hydroxide to make an alkanol but I would like to know if this can be done in one step. Thank you.

Perhaps look into a free-radical pathways, and HOOH as the peroxide. Bare in mind that terminal alcohols are not going to be favorable, and one would likely end up with many products.

[siddy29]

I don't think there is any method to do that in one step

[pgk]

Air oxidation of alkanes, under high temperatures an in presence of the appropriate catalyst, is a one -step reaction that leads to alcohols. But this is an industrial  method of petrochemistry that cannot easily be adopted in the laboratory.

[kriggy]

You can oxidize an alkane using SeO₂ (or using stronger oxidizing reagents in the presence of acetaldehyde) into aldehyde and then reduce it to the alcohol. I think if you can find a reliable way to oxidize alkane into alcohol under mild-ish condition, you would be a rich man