1101.    CRYDER, D. S., AND FROLICH, P. K.  Catalyst for the Formation of Alcohols From Carbon Monoxide and Hydrogen.  IV.  Decomposition and Synthesis of Methanol by Catalysts Composed of Zinc and Chromium Oxides.  Ind. Eng. Chem., vol. 21, 1929, pp. 867-871; British Chem. Abs., 1929, B, p. 934; Chem. Abs., vol. 23, 1929, p. 5157.

        Excess of Cr₂O₃ results in the formation of appreciable amounts of CO₂ and unsaturated hydrocarbons, while with an excess of ZnO in the catalyst, CO and H₂ are the main products formed, a sharp maximum occurring at a catalyst composition of approximately Zn₇₈Cr₂₂.  The relatively constant % of HCHO formed indicates its intermediate formation in the decomposition of MeOH.  Reversing the reaction, it is found that the production of MeOH from CO and H₂ parallels the formation of CO and H₂ in the decomposition experiments.  The results demonstrate the suitability of the decomposition method as a criterion in the selection of catalysts for the high-pressure synthesis of MeOH.  7 graphs are shown.