791.    EIDUS, Y. T., AND GUSEVA, I. V.  [Effect of Ammonia in the Incoming Gas on the Catalytic Hydrogenation of Carbon Monoxide to Higher Hydrocarbons.]  Izbest. Akad. Nauk S.S.S.R., Otdel, Khim. Nauk, 1950, pp. 287-290; Chem. Abs., vol. 44, 1950, p. 8087.

     In 5-hr. runs with a mixture of 1 CO : 2 H₂ flowing at 80-90 1. per l. catalyst per hr. at 190° and atmospheric pressure over a Co catalyst (5 gm. metal over 35 cm.), addition of NH₃ resulted in marked decrease of the yield of higher hydrocarbons without any increase in the amount of CH₄; the % of CO reacted is decreased in the same degree as the yield of hydrocarbons.  A precipitate of (NH₄)₂CO₃ is formed at the end of the reactor.  The effect of NH₃ is reversible; as soon as the NH₃ is shut off, the yield reverts to its original high level.  Judging by the absence of MeNH₂ (also of Me₂NH, Me₃N, and CO (NH₃)₂) in the products, the inhibition by NH₃ is not due to a reaction NH₃+CH₂→MeNH₂.  The formation of (NH₄)₂CO₃ can be attributed only to enhanced occurrence of the reaction CO+H₂O→CO₂+H₃, with CO₂ reacting further with NH₃; in the absence of NH₃, that reaction ordinarily ceases as soon as the catalyst is formed, but not with NH₃ present.