260.    BIRK, E. AND NITZSCHMANN, R.  [High-Pressure Synthesis of Dimethyl Ether and Its Theoretical Foundations.]  Metallbörse, vol. 19, 1929, p. 2807; vol. 20, 1930, pp. 1295-1296, 1351, 1407; Chem. Abs., vol. 24, 1930, pp. 2106-5719.

                 Critical review of the literature and calculation of equilibrium conditions for the formation of dimethyl ether from MeOH.  A tabulation of the volume relations of the reaction gases for 50% and 100% conversion to dimethyl ether.  Discusses the formation of dimethyl ether along with the synthesis of MeOH from water gas.  Expresses water-gas-MeOH equilibrium for pressures of 100-400 atm. and for temperatures 300°-400°.  Calculates volume relation of the reaction gases for a direct formation of dimethyl ether combined with the MeOH synthesis.  Tabulates calculated values, and lays basis for a MeOH output of 10-50% and a 50-100% conversion of MeOH to dimethyl ether.  Another table gives, for the same relations, the amounts of water gas necessary for the production of 1 kg. of dimethyl ether.