TheAdkins–Peterson reaction is the airoxidation ofmethanol toformaldehyde with metal oxidecatalysts such asiron oxide,molybdenum trioxide or combinations thereof.

Whilst this class of oxidation had been investigated previously, in-depth systemization of the behaviour of the iron oxide/molybdenum trioxide catalyst was carried out byHomer Burton Adkins andWesley R. Peterson.^[1]

• The reaction is typically conducted at 300°C to 400°C.
• Equimolar proportions of iron and molybdenum oxides yields the highest conversion of methanol to formaldehyde, achieving over 90%conversion withcarbon monoxide as the secondary product.

• Organic redox reactions
• Name reactions