PATENTS

      39.            ARSEM, W. C. (Commercial Solvents Corp.).  Formaldehyde.  United States Patent 1,740,141, Dec. 17, 1929.  Chem. Abs., vol. 24, 1930. p.. 866.

In producing CH₂O and formic acid, a mixture of CO and H₂O vapor is passed over a catalyst comprising the oxide of a metal forming a weak base such as ZnO at a temperature of 150°-350° and a pressure of 10-500 atm. Under conditions such that H₂O vapor is not appreciably condensed to liquid form.  Oxides of Sn, Al, Zr, V, Mo, Th, and Cr also may be used.