2690. PIERCE, J. A. (Standard Oil Development Co.). [Catalysts for the Synthesis of Hydrocarbons and Oxygenated Compounds by the Fluidization Process.] French Patent 945,103, Apr. 26, 1949; appl. filed Apr. 15, 1947. Chem. Zentralb., 1950, I, p. 2395.

Fe₂O₃ or another Fe oxide is converted with 10-20% by weight of powdered Al and the hard, brittle product pulverized. If the materials are present in stoichiometric amounts a fused mixture of Al₂O₃ and metallic Fe is obtained. If Al is in excess, a homogeneous mixture of Al, Al₂O₃ and alloys is formed; with less Al a mixture of Al₂O₃, Fe, and Fe oxide (magnetite) is obtained. Activating substances such as K compounds, Mn, and Cu can be added. In similar way as the oxides of Fe, the oxides of Cr, Co, Th, Ni, and Cu can be treated; instead of Al pulverized amorphous Si is suitable. Example: 40 parts Fe₂O₃ and 6 parts, or about 13%, of Al powder are mixed in an earthenware vessel, and the mass is ignited with an acetylene burner. The vigorous exothermic reaction is quickly ended, and a hard, porous, strongly magnetic mass, with the appearance of lava, is obtained.