166a.    BAUKLOH, W., CHATTERJEE, B., AND DAS, P. P.  Decomposition of Carbon Monoxide in the Presence of Iron, Cobalt and Nickel, as Catalysts.  Trans. Indian Inst. Metals, vol. 4, 1950, pp. 271-278; Chem. Abs., vol. 46, 1952, p. 7415.

                   Maximum decomposition of CO by Fe, Co and Ni as catalysts takes place at 550°, 700°, and 350°, respectively.  The speed of the decomposition reaction increases up to an hour and then decreases.  The decrease in reaction speed is due to the formation of metal carbides which have a lower activity than the pure metal.  Decomposition of the metal carbide by H₂ restores the activity of the metal.  If the metal is heated in H₂ the metallic activity is lower, owing to a sintering process.  C decreases this sintering.