2682.     ---------------.  [PICHLER, H., AND BUFFLEB, H.]  [Synthesis of Free Formic Acid From Carbon Monoxide and Water.]  Brennstoff-Chem., vol. 23, 1942, pp. 73-77; Chem. Age, vol. 53, 1945, pp. 463-468; Chem. Abs., vol. 36, 1942, p. 4474.

        Formation of formic acid through the direct action of CO and H2O under pressures up to 2,000 was investigated.  At each temperature, a definite state of equilibrium exists between the concentration of liquid formic acid and CO pressures.  Certain mineral acids and salts (Cu2SO4, CuCl2) and especially H2S and H3PO4 are suited as catalysts.  The salts under the conditions of the reaction are reduced to the mineral acids.  The optimum conditions for formic acid synthesis are determined.