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.