PATENTS

       32.            ARNOLD, G. B., Hess, H. V., AND STEWART, M. M. (The Texas Co.).  Method for Treating Products of Synthesis Gas Conversion.  United States Patent 2,516,940, Aug. 1, 1950: appl. Filed Dec. 20, 1946, Serial No. 717,346: 3 claims (Cl. 260-450).  Chem. Abs., vol. 44, 1950. p. 10302.

CO and H₂ in ratio 1:2 are converted at 200°-750° F. and 2,000 p. s. i. to a complex product mixture.  The mixture is separated at 175°-300° F. and reaction pressure to aqueous phase, hydrocarbon phase, and gas phase.  The aqueous phase is solvent extracted with a hydrocarbon fraction and residual nonacidic oxygenated compounds are extracted.  The elevated temperature and pressure makes this separation more efficient.  The hydrocarbon-rich extract phase contains nonacidic, O-containing organic compounds and the H₂O-rich phase, organic acids.  The hydrocarbon-rich phase is combined with the hydrocarbon phase originally separated and catalytically hydrogenated with a part of the initial gas to convert the aldehydes and ketones to alcohols.  The alcohols are separated.  7 United States Patents cited.