994.    FISCHER, F., AND PETERS, K.  [Decomposition of Methane, and Coke-Oven Gas in Particular, at Low Pressure by Electric Discharge.]  Brennstoff-Chem., vol. 10, 1929, p. 108-113; Ges. Abhandl. Kenntnis Kohle, vol. 9, 1930, pp. 640-654; Chem. Abs., vol. 23, 1929, p. 4326.

     Orienting experiments were made at atmospheric pressures and temperatures ‑185° to 750° wherein CH₄, coke-oven gas, and water gas were passed through a high-frequency-type ozone tube.  Very little decomposition of CH₄ resulted, and the method was changed in that the discharge was passed directly through the gas maintained at low pressures, a Geissler-type tube of glass being used.  The best conditions for decomposition of CH₄ were:  pressure 40 mm. Hg. gas flow 367 l./hr., reaction tube diameter 35-60 mm., voltage drop between electrodes spaced at 40 cm. 5,000-7,000 v. room temperature.  By starting with gas analyzing 2.8% CO₂, 1.5% illuminants (C₂H₃-free), 1.2% O₂, 5.4% CO, 52.3% H₂, 23.4% CH₄, and 13.4% N₂, a gas containing 8.5% C₂H₂, 67.7% H₂, and 4.8% CH₄ was obtained by one passage through the tube.  The main reaction is considered to be 2CH₄=C₂H₂+3H₂-4,000 cal.  About 15% of the energy supplied does useful work.  Tar precipitated in the reaction tube is easily removed by passing water gas or air through the tube, electric discharge being maintained.  Experiments in which C₁₀H₈ was introduced into the reaction tube with H₂ and N₂ showed the reaction C₁₀H₈+H₂+5N₂=10HCN took place.