2217. ------. [MERCIER, J.] Synthesis of Light Hydrocarbons. British Patent 312,916, June 2, 1928. Chem. Abs., vol. 24, 1930, p. 860.

Mixture of CO and H₂ is 1^st heated in the presence of a catalyst such as metals of the Fe group (for example, Fe, Ni, Co, in grains or powder or refractory carriers such as Al₂O₃, CaO, or MgO) or sulfides such as those of Fe, Mo, and W, at about 500°, and the gases are then subjected to a simultaneous expansion and cooling of sudden character to a temperature of 180°-300° again in the presence of catalysts such as finely divided metals. Steam may be added to the initial gas mixture, and the process may be combined with a cracking process, according to various details and modifications of procedure, which are described.