3548.     ---------------.  [VAN ITTERBEEK, A., AND VAN DINGENEN, W.]  [Formation of Methane in Connection With the Activated Adsorption of Hydrogen and Carbon Monoxide by Nickel and by Copper.]  Physica, vol. 8, 1941, pp. 810-824; Chem. Abs., vol. 36, 1942, p. 6062.

        CH₄ forms when H₂ and CO are adsorbed on Ni.  Cu acts in the same way when activated by a trace of Th.  It was found that Ni shows 2 temperatures, 165° and 300°, at which the ratio of H₂:CO adsorbed is 3:1, correct ratio for CH₄ formation and, also 2 temperatures, 125° and 370°, at which the ratio is 2:1, correct ratio for benzene formation.  At these exact temperatures, the reaction rate showed sharp maxima.  The reaction product at 200°-300° was found to be nearly pure CH₄, but, at 165° and 400°, heavier products also occurred, which contained benzene.  The same type of behavior was found for Cu; the best temperature range for CH₄ formation is 250°-525°.

        VAN LOON, W.  See abs. 677.