One such class of catalyst systems, discovered and developed by the group of Jean-Marie Basset, comprises tantalum hydride supported on silica (SiO2)TaH at temperatures of 25°C to 200°C.
These systems catalyze the conversion of ethane to give methane, propane and traces of butane.
[1] Cross metathesis can also take place, for example methane and propane can react to give two molecules of ethane.
A heterogeneous system consisting of Pt on alumina mixed with W oxide on silica was reported by Burnett and Hughes.
Numerous applications for alkane metathesis involving petrochemicals and fuels can be envisaged.