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.