How can propane be oxidized to propionic acid?

Explanation

Propane undergoes oxidation to propionic acid in presence of manganese stearate,
`2CH_(3)CH_(2)CH_(3) + 3O_(2) overset((CH_(3)COO)_(2)Mn)to 2CH_(3)CH_(2)COOH + 2H_(2)O`