353. CHAFFETTE, M. [Decomposition of Methane.] French Patent 733,248, Mar. 14, 1932. Chem. Abs., vol. 27, 1933. p. 813.

Patent Abstracts

CH4 is submitted to partial combustion in a mixture containing O₂ and steam at a high temperature, such as 1,300°, to transform the greater part of the CH₄ into C₂H₂ and other unsaturated hydrocarbons, CO and H₂. Steam is added to the gas obtained, and the mixture is passed over a Ni catalyst at about 800°. The resulting gas contains a smaller amount of hydrocarbons and may be used for the synthesis of NH₃ or MeOH.