953.    ---------------.  [FISCHER, F.]  Formation of Benzene and Hydrocarbons by the Action of Heat on Methane.  Chem. Markets, vol. 23, 1928, pp. 587-591; Chem. Abs., vol. 23, 1929, p. 1119.

     By conducting CH₄ of various origins through tubes at certain temperatures, pressure, rate of flow, and cooling speeds, it was shown that C₆H₆, C₁₀H₈, and other aromatic hydrocarbons could be formed, whereas earlier investigators had pointed to the formation of C (carbon black) and H₂ as the chief or only products.  Experimental conditions and results are detailed, and the suggestion is made that in some countries where carbon black is now made by wasteful processes it may be feasible to resort to CH₄ as raw material for synthesizing C₆H₆.