3520.     ---------------.  [UNDERWOOD, A. J. V.]  Industrial Synthesis of Hydrocarbons From Hydrogen and Carbon Monoxide.  Ind. Eng. Chem., vol. 32, 1940, pp. 449-454; British Chem. Abs., 1940, B, p. 427; Chem. Abs., vol. 34, 1940, p. 3045.

        Hydrocarbons in about 70% yield are obtained from 2 H₂+CO using a Co catalyst -- kieselguhr at 190°-200°, 5-15 atm.; yields are decreased and catalyst is impaired at higher pressures.  A main controlling factor is the rate of removal of the products of reaction from the catalyst.  Removal of wax from the surface of the catalyst maintains its activity.  Various raw materials and processes for making synthesis gas are given.  Conversion of CH₄ into synthesis gas (H₂:CO=2:1) by the process:  3CH₄+CO₂+2H₂O=4CO+8H₂; CH₄+O₂=CO+2H₂, using a Ni catalyst at 760°, is discussed.  Accurate temperature control is necessary, and indirect watercooling  is used.  S is removed by passing the gas over an alkaline Fe oxide or Ni catalyst at 177°-299°.  Commercial plant is described.  Straight-chain hydrocarbons with gasoline fraction of low octane number, a Diesel oil fraction with high octane number, and waxes (for example, those of m. p. 90.6°) are obtained.

        ----------.  I. G. Farbenindustrie A.-G. Works at Leuna.  XVI.  Mersol Process.  See abs. 1480.