163.    BAUKLOH, W., AND HELLBRÜGGE, J.  [Effect of Some Substances on the Decomposition of Carbon Monoxide and Methane.]  Arch. Eisenhüttenw., vol. 15, 1941, pp. 163-166; Brennstoff-Chem., vol. 23, 1942, p. 7; Chem. Abs., vol. 36, 1942, p. 7268.

                  In the presence of catalysts, such as metallic Fe, and at certain temperatures, CO disintegrates forming free C.  The velocity of decomposition depends on the nature of the catalysts and is greatest at temperatures between 500°-600°.  Fe₂O₃ mixed with SiO₂, CaO, Al₂O₃ or Cr₂O₃ caused a lowering in the catalytic decomposition of CO.  Cr₂O₃ is the most effective.  CH₄ has no critical-decomposition region; at higher temperatures, however, it is more unstable than CO and decomposes with greater velocity.  Mixtures of Fe₂O₃ with CdSO₄, HgCl₂ or B₂O₃ are equally good.