2187. MCGRATH, H. G. (M. W. Kellogg Co.). Hydrogenation of Carbon Monoxide With Promoted Iron Catalyst. United States Patent 2,598,647, May 27, 1952; appl. filed Feb. 1, 1947, Serial No. 725,835; 8 claims (Cl. 260-449.6). Chem. Abs., vol. 46, 1952, p. 7744.

Metallic Fe catalyst containing 0.2-2.0 wt. % of K₂O, based on elementary Fe, is very effective for the hydrogenation of CO to produce a high yield of organic compounds >1 C atom per mol. K₂O concentrations of 0.8-1.5 wt. % favor the production of high molecular alcohols and organic acids, while concentrations of 0.2-0.7 wt. % favor the production of hydrocarbons in the gasoline and diesel-fuel boiling range. Other K compounds and inorganic compounds of alkali and alkaline-earth metals may be used, although K₂O is preferred. Mixtures of these compounds may be used also. This catalyst may be used in fixed-bed or fluid-bed conditions; however, the fluid bed is preferred.