3687. ----- [STUDIEN-UND VERWERTUNGS-G. M. B. H.] [Process for the Catalytic Production of Branched Hydrocarbons.] German Patent Appl. St 62,439, filed Nov. 5, 1942 (Cl. 12 o-1.03). TOM Reel 100.

Production of ranched hydrocarbons from a mixture of dimethylether and H2 at temperatures >300° (preferably 400°-500°) and at increased pressure (preferably > 100atm.), using as catalyst oxides of the 3d and 4^th groups of the periodic system (preferably ThO₂). Example: A mixture of dimethylether and H₂ (1:5) is conducted at 450° and 30 atm. over a Th catalyst produced by precipitation from a Th nitrate solution with soda resulting in a conversion 12% of the dimethylether to iso-C4 hydrocarbons and 15% to liquid hydrocarbons; at 150 atm. the conversion was 25 and 20% respectively, and at 300 atm. 35 and 25%, respectively, the liquid products having an octane no. of 80.