The selective oxidation of lower alkanes, such as ethane, remains a major research challenge in catalysis. In this study Fe and Cu containing zeolites are investigated as catalysts for the production of C-2 oxygenated products from ethane using H2O2 as an oxidant. We utilise a trickle bed reactor to effectively control the contact time between reactants and catalyst to minimise C-C scission and over oxidation to COx. Reaction conditions such as temperature, pressure and reactant concentration in combination with Fe and Cu content of the catalysts are investigated to optimise conversion and selectivity to C-2 oxygenated products. A marked effect is observed upon increasing pressure between 1 and 30 bar, as the oxygenate selectivity increases from 46% to 98%. Single pass conversion of ethane (22%) to acetic acid (73%, 16% yield) has been observed using a Fe/ZSM-5 catalyst under the optimum conditions. Catalysts are investigated for stability, and are observed to undergo no apparent deactivation under test conditions, despite low levels of Fe leaching. Through characterisation and assessment of leached Fe/ZSM-5 catalysts, we show that catalytic activity might be attributed to Fe species within the zeolite's channels and that surface FexOy are spectator species. Finally, relatively high selectivity to ethene (38%, I% yield) has been observed with Cu containing materials under these mild reaction conditions. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.