2502.     OGAWA, T., MATUI, A., AND SENOO, H.  Oxidation of Methane.  I.  Reaction Between Methane and Ferric Oxide.  Jour. Soc. Chem. Ind. (Japan), vol. 41, 1938, suppl. pp. 399-400; Chem. Abs., vol. 33, 1939, p. 3327.

        Gases produced by the reaction at 900°, 1,000°, and 1,100° of 200 gm. powdered Fe2O3 in a porcelain tube, 2.6 cm. in diameter, heated by an electric furnace and CH4 introduced at the rate of 2 l. per hr. were analyzed at intervals for CH4, CO, CO2, and H2, and the results were plotted.  At first the reaction yielded CO2 and H2O, then chiefly CO and H2 at a constant ratio of approximately 1:2 for several hr., and finally the concentration of H2 increased owing to the reaction CH4=C+2H2.  At 1,100° after 2.5 hr., the product consisted of about 21% CO and 40% H2.  The catalyst was regenerated with a limited amount of atmospheric O2 in a separate vessel.  Conclusion:  The catalyst is suitable for the synthesis of (CO+2H2).