2109.     LEWIS, W. K., AND FROLICH, P. K.  Synthesis of Methanol From Carbon Monoxide and Hydrogen.  Ind. Eng. Chem., vol. 20, 1928, p. 285-290; Chem. Abs., vol. 22, 1928, p. 1324.

        Study has been made of some of the factors governing the synthesis of MeOH from CO and H₂ under high pressure and in the presence of a catalyst.  MeOH of high purity may readily be prepared by passing a mixture of CO and H₂, preferably at a pressure of several hundred atm. and at temperatures of 300°-350°, over a catalyst composed of metallic oxides.  Working with a catalyst of medium activity prepared from the oxides of Cu, Zn, and Al, it is possible to reach nearly theoretical conversion depending upon the pressure, temperature and rate of gas flow employed.  CO₂, H₂O and CH₄ may form, but the amount of CO consumed in these side reactions is small under the conditions most favorable to MeOH formation.  The catalyst in question appears to be most active at lower temperature and suffers a permanent decrease in activity when exposed to higher temperatures.  Also the catalyst is sensitive to poisons.