3849. ----- [VOORHIES, A.] (Standard Oil Development Co.). [Synthesis of Hydrocarbons.] French Patent 955,939, Jan. 20, 1950; appl. filed Nov. 24, 1947, in United States, Nov. 29, 1946. Chem.. Zentralb., 1950, II, p. 2368.

CO and H₂ are reacted in the presence of a catalyst consisting of Fe, Ni, or Co and a promoter, such as the oxide of Na, K, Cr, Zn, Al, or Mg. Further activating agents are the salts and hydroxides of K, Na, and Li, but particularly KF. Synthesis is begun with an inactive catalyst in the presence of H₂O under gradual addition of the promoting agent and at a temperature of 300°-400°. At intervals a 0.1% solution of KF, calculated on the amount of catalyst, is present.