1037.    FISCHER, F., PICHLER, H., AND LOHMAR, W.  [Synthesis of Kogasin and Paraffin Wax in the Aqueous Phase.]  Brennstoff-Chem., vol. 20, 1939, p. 247-250; British Chem. Abs., 1939, B. p. 904; Chem. Abs., vol. 34, 1940, p. 3904.

       By passing CO+2H₂ through H₂O containing either a Co-ThO₂ or Rh catalysts in suspension, at 170°-200° under a total pressure of 50-100 atm., liquid hydrocarbons and wax were obtained similar in yield and composition to the products of the medium-pressure Fischer synthesis (abs. 1036).  A laboratory apparatus of 1 l. capacity was used.  Ni was useless as a catalyst, being converted into the carbonyl under the reaction conditions; an Fe catalyst merely brought about the reaction CO+H₂O=CO₂+H₂.  Although by operating in the aqueous phase the temperature control was very good, the process had disadvantages that precluded its practical development; for example, the results were no better than in the dry phase, a relatively larger reaction space was required, the apparatus had to be lined with acid-resistant material (for example, Cu), owing to the production of small quantities of fatty acids, considerable energy expenditure was necessary to maintain the catalyst in suspension, and the continuous removal of the reaction products presented difficulties.