3502.     TUTIYA, H.  Catalytic Decomposition of Carbon Monoxide.  I.  Iron as Catalyst.  Bull. Inst. Phys. Chem. Research (Tokyo), vol. 8, 1929, pp. 206-219; Sci. Papers Inst. Phys. Chem. Research (Tokyo), vol. 10, 1929, pp. 69-82; Chem. Abs., vol. 23, 1929, p. 3620.

        Decomposition rate of CO was measured in presence of C, 2 kinds of Fe wire, reduced Fe, and a mixture of Fe₃C and C, and the carbons produced were studied with X-ray.  Conclusions:  (1) Fe functions not as a catalyst but as a catalyst donor, that is, as a supporter of autocatalytic decomposition of CO.  (2) When CO decomposes in presence of Fe, Fe₃C forms first, and the 2 reactions, 3Fe+2CO=Fe₃C+CO₂ and 2CO=C+CO₂, progress concurrently.  (3)  Fe₃C has a remarkable catalyzing ability and plays a chief role in the decomposition of CO.  (4) C isolated from the catalytic decomposition not only has no catalyzing power but even hinders the catalytic effect of Fe₃C.  (5) Fe₃C becomes very densely packed with the C, which is isolated by decomposition, till it ceases completely to catalyze.  On this account Fe₃C in the C is very difficult to remove.  This suggests a quality of C that is obtained catalytically by decomposition in presence of metal.  (6) X-carbide of U. Hofmann is Fe oxide.