PATENTS

      1453.  ------.  [I. G. FARBENINDUSTRIE, A. G.]  [Process for Separating Mixtures of ALcohols and Hydrocarbons.]  German Patent Appl. I 78,795. OZ 13,831, filed Dec. 8. 1942 (Cl. IV d-12 o).  TOM Reel 17, item 37, frames 1,054-1,057: Meyer Transl. PC-S-II, Fischer-Tropsch. vol. 3, chap 112, p. 17.

            In separating higher molecular weight alcohols, liquid mixtures or mixture of alcohols and hydrocarbons, liquefied by heating, are treated without the use of a solvent.  Example: A mixture of alcohols and hydrocarbons, obtained from CO and H₂ synthesis at medium pressure and at temperatures <250º in the presence of Fe catalyst, is fractionated.  5 parts of the fraction 300º-350º, containing 60% of higher alcohols, are contacted with 2.5 parts of wide-pored silica gel for about 30 min.  After separation of the hydrocarbon-rich portion not retained by the gel, the latter is treated with a mixture from the same source b. 60º-100º containing 60% MeOH, ethanol, and acetone.  On distilling the liquid there are obtained 1.3 parts by weight of a residue containing up to 95% of higher alcohols.  Instead of using the mixture mentioned, the alcohols retained can be removed with H₂ at 280º.  Addition to German Patent Appl. I 72,813 and I 73,572 (abs. 1564 and 1554).