709.    DOHSE, H.  [Heterogeneous Decomposition Reactions.  III.  Decomposition of Methanol on Zinc Oxide.]  Ztschr. Physik. Chem., vol. 8, Abt. B, 1930, pp. 159-180; Chem. Abs., vol. 24, 1930, p. 4452.

     CH₃OH dissociates in 2 steps; 1^st, into HCHO and then to CO+H₂.  This can be seen with certainty only when studied from monomolecule films, and both steps are than of 1^st. order.  The reaction constants grow somewhat smaller as the reaction proceeds as a result of lessening activity of the reaction centers.  The heat of activation for the 1^st. is 22,500 cal. and for the 2d. 35,000 cal., the latter being in good accord with the direct determination for HCHO.