118.    BACCAREDDA, M.  [Decomposition of Methanol With Catalysts Used in Its Synthesis.]  Ann. chim. applicata, vol. 27, 1937, pp. 413-422; Chem. Zentralb., 1938, I, p. 866; Chem. Abs., vol. 32, 1938, p. 2083.

                  Decomposition of MeOH at 356° and atmospheric pressure in the presence of catalysts used in its synthesis at high pressure is investigated.  All simple ZnO-base products show similar results, while catalysts consisting of ZnO with other metallic oxides affect the reaction differently.  Smithsonite calcined at 400°, which is very active in the synthesis of MeOH, was also found very active in promoting the decomposition.  The formation of HcO2Me does not appear to be due to condensation of 2 moles of CH2O but rather to a secondary reaction between MeOH and CO.