Abstract: Coal is catalytically reacted with steam to produce hydrogen. Various Group I metal salts such as K.sub.2 CO.sub.3, Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 and borax are used as catalysts. These catalysts are stabilized with fluoride containing salts such as CaF.sub.2 to thereby extend their life. Alternatively, NaF was found to be a thermally stable catalyst for the reaction.