1167.    ---------------. [GAUTIER, A.] [Reactions Between Hydrogen and Carbon Monoxide and the Effect of Steam on Carbon Monoxide at Elevated Temperature.]  Compt. Rend., vol. 150, 1910, pp. 1564-1568; Bull. Soc. Chim., vol. 7, 1910, pp. 765-768; Chem. Zentralb., 1910, II, p. 292; Chem. Abs., vol. 6, 1912, p. 287; vol. 4, 1910, pp. 2251, 3048.

       Reduction of CO by H₂ begins approximately at 400°, resulting in the formation of H₂O, C, and some CH₄.  The mutual reactions are limited and equilibrium is reached at approximately 1,000°.  The formation of CH₄ is favored by a higher % CH₄ and by a greater velocity to prevent its splitting off at red heat.  Between 450° and 650° traces of formol are formed but disappear again at 950°.  On passing a mixture of 1 vol. CO and 6 vol. H₂ at a speed of 1 l. per hr. through a porcelain tube heated to 1,200°, there was obtained, after removal of the CO and CO₂ from the end gas, a mixture of 99.8% H₂ and 0.2% CH₄.  At 1,300° and a 3 times greater gas velocity, 98.65% H₂ and 1.35% CH₄ were obtained.  The higher velocity thus appears to prevent decomposition of the CH₄ formed.