49.    ANDERSON, R., KRIEG, A., FRIEDEL, R. A., AND MASON, L. S.  Studies of the Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis.  VI.  Differential Reaction-Rate Studies Without Cobalt Catalyst.  Ind. Eng. Chem., vol. 41, No. 10, 1949, pp. 2189-2197; Chem. Abs., vol. 44, 1950, p. 2358.

               Differential reaction-rate data are presented by the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis with Co catalysts at atmospheric pressure.  The synthesis rate was high in the initial part of the bed and lower in nearly constant throughout a large portion of the catalyst bed, until the reactants were fairly completely consumed.  Over the range of relatively constant rate of synthesis, the gas composition varied considerably.  CH₄ and CO₂ were formed by primary reactions; CH₄ was also formed by secondary hydrocracking of higher molecular-weight hydrocarbons and CO₂ by the water-gas reaction.  These reactions occurred throughout the catalyst bed, and their extent depended upon the composition of the gas in contact with the catalyst.  The assumptions of Craxford involving the synthesis occurring on Co carbide and the secondary reactions on Co atoms do not appear to be an adequate explanation of the author’s data.