2502.     OGAWA, T., MATUI, A., AND SENOO, H.  Oxidation of Methane.  I.  Reaction Between Methane and Ferric Oxide.  Jour. Soc. Chem. Ind. (Japan), vol. 41, 1938, suppl. pp. 399-400; Chem. Abs., vol. 33, 1939, p. 3327.

        Gases produced by the reaction at 900°, 1,000°, and 1,100° of 200 gm. powdered Fe₂O₃ in a porcelain tube, 2.6 cm. in diameter, heated by an electric furnace and CH₄ introduced at the rate of 2 l. per hr. were analyzed at intervals for CH₄, CO, CO₂, and H₂, and the results were plotted.  At first the reaction yielded CO₂ and H₂O, then chiefly CO and H₂ at a constant ratio of approximately 1:2 for several hr., and finally the concentration of H₂ increased owing to the reaction CH₄=C+2H₂.  At 1,100° after 2.5 hr., the product consisted of about 21% CO and 40% H₂.  The catalyst was regenerated with a limited amount of atmospheric O₂ in a separate vessel.  Conclusion:  The catalyst is suitable for the synthesis of (CO+2H₂).