1546. ---------------. [INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY.] Synthetic Manufacture of Methanol. Vol. 17, 1925, pp. 981-982; Chem. Abs., vol. 19, 1925, p. 2928.

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Literature Abstracts

British Patent 229,715 is reproduced in full, together with a statement of conclusions drawn from this patent and from other literature as to proper apparatus and conditions necessary in MeOH synthesis. The essential features are as follows: (1) a gaseous mixture of CO and H₂ in which there are at least 2 vol. of H₂ : 1 of CO; (2) catalyst, a number of which are available, consists chiefly of ZnO with admixture of Cr₂O₃ and metallic Cu or CuO; (3) absence of alkali in the catalyst, which would cause decomposition of the MeOH produced and production of higher alcohols, H₂O, and oily and tarry bodies therefrom; (4) proper apparatus made of alloy steel and lined with Cu, Al, or Zn capable of withstanding very high pressure, at least 250 atm., and containing a heating element so that the incoming gases will come in contact with the catalyst at a temperature around 250°-300° C. without coming in contact with Fe, Ni, or Co; (5) condensation of the MeOH produced, and the recirculation of the residual gases brought again to the proper concentration by the addition of H₂ and CO.