60.     ---------------. [ANTHEAUME, J.] [Hydrogenation of Carbon Monoxide.]  Ann. combust. liquides.  May-June 1935; Tech. moderne, vol. 27, 1935, p. 594; Coal Carbonisation, vol. 1, 1935, p. 151.

               The author has investigated the structure and function of Fe-base catalysts in the preparation, at atmospheric pressure of liquid hydrocarbons from CO.  He concludes:  (1) It is not necessary to add K₂CO₃ to catalysts prepared by precipitation of a solution of Fe and Cu nitrates – the most active preparations do not contain it.  (2) Cu plays a triple part in these catalysts, that is, permitting the reduction of ferric oxide by H₂ at a relatively low temperature, activating, and stabilizing.  A certain minimum of Cu is essential to obtain a durable catalyst.  (3) Catalytic hydrogenation of CO at atmospheric pressure yields CO₂, H₂O, gaseous hydrocarbons, and a mixture of liquid hydrocarbons more or less rich in paraffins.  (4) The hydrocarbon yield with Fe-Cu catalyst washed electrolytically is lower than with Fischer’s Ni or Co catalyst but higher than hitherto obtained from Fe and Cu.  (5) Structural examination reveals the presence of magnetic Fe oxide rhombohedral Fe₂O₃ in the active substance, also the absence of free Fe.  In the most active catalysts the magnetite is in a state of solid solution, the formation of which is facilitated by the electrolytic washing.  Precipitated magnetite used alone gives no condensation of higher hydrocarbons.