3005.     ---------------.  [SABATIER, P., AND SENDERENS, J. B.]  [General Methods of Hydrogenation and of Molecular Reactions Based on the Use of Finely Divided Metals.  I.  II.  Molecular Decomposition and Condensations.]  Jour. Chem. Soc., vol. 88, 1905, I, pp. 333, 401; Ann. chim. phys., vol. 4, No. 8, 1905, pp. 319-432, 433-488.

        General discussion of the mechanism of the action of metals in a finely divided condition on various classes of organic compounds.  The catalytic action of Ni, Co, Pt, Pd, Cu, and Fe upon mixtures of CO and H₂ has been investigated at different temperatures and under a variety of conditions.  The results show that, in the case of the hydrogenation of CO in the presence of finely divided Ni, the reaction CO+3 H₂=CH₄+H₂O begins at 180°-200° and proceeds rapidly and without complications at 230°-250°.  If care is taken that the temperature of 250° is not exceeded, the Ni is not impaired and retains its activity over long periods of time.  By maintaining the volumetric relations of CO:H₂=1:3, the reaction is virtually complete and yields almost pure CH₄.  The action of Co is similar to that of Ni but requires a higher temperature, whereas only negative results are obtained with Pt, Pd, Cu, and Fe.  It is found that the passage of the vapors of primary and secondary alcohols over heated finely divided Cu is a convenient method of preparing the corresponding aldehydes and ketones.