Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing a synthesis gas by reacting a carbon-containing organic compound with steam and/or carbon dioxide using a catalyst whose carbon deposition activity is considerably suppressed. The catalyst is characterized in that it comprises a carrier formed of a metal oxide, and at least one catalytic metal selected from rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, palladium and platinum and supported on the carrier, in that the catalyst has a specific surface area of 25 m2/g or less, in that the electronegativity of the metal ion of the carrier metal oxide is 13.0 or less and in that the amount of the catalytic metal is 0.0005-0.1 mole %, in terms of metal, based on the carrier metal oxide.

Abstract: Disclosed are a catalyst for producing a synthesis gas using a carbon-containing organic compound as a raw material and a process for producing carbon monoxide. The catalyst for producing a synthesis gas is composed of a carrier formed of a metal oxide and at least one catalytic metal selected from rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, palladium and platinum and supported on the carrier and is characterized in that the catalyst has a specific surface area of 25 m2/g or less, in that the electronegativity of the metal ion of the carrier metal oxide is 13.0 or less and in that the amount of the supported catalytic metal is 0.0005-0.1 mole %, in terms of a metal, based on the carrier metal oxide.