PATENTS

      1428.  ------.  [I. G. FARBENINDUSTRIE, A. G.]  [Process for Producing High-Molecular Alcohols.]  German Patent Appl. I 71,524. OZ 13,199. filed Jan. 12. 1942 (Cl. IV d-12 o).  FIAT Reel 166. frames 5,628-5,632; PB 68,877.

            In a process for producing high-molecular alcohols by the catalytic hydrogenation of free fatty acids or fatty acid mixtures with H₂ under increased pressure and temperature (200 atm. and 225º-265º). the reduction is preformed continuously in apparatus, which, so far as it is in contact with the fatty acids, is built of CU or its alloys.  The catalyst of the reaction consists of Cu or Cr or their oxides and if desired activated with Ba or Al oxides.  The raw material for the process may be either fatty acids obtained from natural fats and oils or those obtained by the oxidation of synthetic paraffins.