3463.     ---------------.  [TROPSCH, H., AND VON PHILLIPPOVICH, A.]  [Condensation of Methanol in the Presence of Contact Substances.]  Ges. Abhandl. Kenntnis Kohle, vol. 7, 1925, pp. 78-83; Chem. Abs., vol. 21, 1927, p. 2870.

        Catalysts examined were those used in the production of synthol, with a view to elucidate the mechanism of this reaction.  In nearly all cases, a small quantity of an oil of terpenelike odor was obtained, and the possibility of the formation of higher boiling compounds was proved.  With NaOMe, Me₂O was formed, and the reaction gas was composed almost exclusively of H₂.  In all other cases, considerable quantities of CH₄ were produced.  With an alkaline Fe catalyst, a considerable amount of oily products was obtained, proving the production of oils directly from MeOH to be possible.