2197. MCGRATH, H. G., AND RUBIN, L. C. (M. W. Kellogg Co.). Preparation of Reduced Magnetite Synthesis Catalyst. United States Patent 2,543,327, Feb. 27, 1951; appl. filed Mar. 18, 1947, Serial No. 735,536; 9 claims (Cl. 252-472). Chem. Abs., vol. 45, 1951, p. 4024.

A catalyst for production of organic compounds by CO hydrogenation is prepared by fusing magnetite at about 2,000° F. The actual temperature will vary depending on the ingredients accompanying the magnetite. Al, silica, or Ti oxide tend to lower the fusion temperature of magnetite. After fusion and solidification, the mass is crushed and ground and reduced in H₂ at 900°-1,600° F. at atmospheric pressure. The reduction may be carried out at 600°-800° F. at superatmospheric pressure. The reduction is continued until 90-95% of the magnetite is reduced, indicated by cessation of H₂O formation. Promoters that may be added to the magnetite ore are metals, Si and their oxides, nitrates, sufates, chlorides, carbonates, hydroxides, and organic compounds. Calcining may have much the same effect as fusion since it causes dispersion of the promoters on the surface of the naturally occurring magnetite. Gives 9 examples of use of this type of catalyst. 1 foreign and 10 United States patents cited.