2106. MALM, I. L. (Cities Service Oil Co.). Processing of Synthetic Hydrocarbons. United States Patent 2,593,159, Apr. 15, 1952; appl. filed Mar. 9, 1948. Serial No. 13,924; 4 claims (Cl. 260-450).

Mixture of synthetically produced organic materials by the Fischer-Tropsch reaction is separated and purified in a series of fractionating operations. Provision is made in the process for recovering, in a substantially pure state, a number of chemicals, including alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and organic acids, as well as the hydrocarbons produced. The method involves the substantially separate processing of the alcohols and acids wherein the loss of alcohols and acids due to esterification is largely avoided.