1015.    ---------------.  [Preparation of Synthetic Oil (Synthol) From Carbon Monoxide and Hydrogen.  II.]  Brennstoff-Chem., vol. 5, 1924, pp. 201-208; Ges. Abhandl. Kenntnis Kohle, vol. 8, 1927, pp. 495-533; Chem. Abs., vol. 18, 1924, p. 3705.

        Theory of the synthesis of hydrocarbons from water gas under pressure in the presence of Fe and alkalies was discussed previously (abs. 1014).  Apparatus is described for the preparation and complete desulfurization of water gas, which is recirculated in a special autoclave containing contact materials for the catalytic production of synthol.  Various contact materials are tested, and conditions most favorable to the reactions desired and determined.  The following conclusions were reached:  (1) For synthol formation the contact material must consist of an H-carrying metal and an alkali; Fe is the best metal, better than Co or Ni, and RbOH or Rb₂CO₃ are the best base.  (2)  The metal should be in the form of chips, not finely divided.  (3) Enough alkali should be used to convert with Fe surface into ferrite; an excess is harmful.  (4) For a given amount of contact mass, there is an optimum gas velocity; the optimum temperature is 410° for Fe but higher for Ni.  (5) the relative amounts of oily and watery products vary somewhat, even for the same contact material and apparently unchanged experimental conditions; watery products vary most, particularly as regards their alcoholic and ketone content.  (6) The Fe catalyst will retain its full activity for a week but gradually becomes reduced to powder; finely divided Fe favors C precipitation from CO, but this is greatly hindered by the alkali.  (7) Varying the pressure 70-150 atm. does not affect yields.  (8) The richer the gas used is in H₂ the higher the yield of watery products, but the oil obtained is of lower boiling point than that formed when the CO concentration is high; it also contains less hydrocarbons.  (9) By a single passage of the gas through the catalyst the yields are low, but by recirculation 27% of the heating value in the gas can be recovered in oil and alcohol formed.  Mixtures of CO₂ and H₂ can be used, but they require longer contact than CO and H₂.  CH₄ with CO or CO₂ will not yield synthol.