Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of hydrocarbons by a catalytic reaction of a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, comprising the steps of:(i) providing a gas mixture comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen;(ii) washing the mixture with an aqueous solution for the removal of impurities from the mixture;(iii) removing the washing solution containing the impurities from the mixture;(iv) contacting the washed mixture with a catalyst whereby hydrocarbons and reaction water are formed;(v) separating the reaction water from the hydrocarbons; and(vi) using reaction water as aqueous solution in washing step (ii)and to hydrocarbons obtained therewith.

Abstract: Relatively dry hydrogen iodide can be recovered from a mixture of HI, I.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O. After the composition of the mixture is adjusted so that the amounts of H.sub.2 O and I.sub.2 do not exceed certain maximum limits, subjection of the mixture to superatmospheric pressure in an amount equal to about the vapor pressure of HI at the temperature in question causes distinct liquid phases to appear. One of the liquid phases contains HI and not more than about 1 weight percent water. Often the adjustment in the composition will include the step of vaporization, and the distinct layers appear following the increase in pressure of the vapor mixture. Adjustment in the composition may also include the addition of an extraction agent, such as H.sub.3 PO.sub.4, and even though the adjusted composition mixture contains a significant amount of such an agent, the creation of the distinct liquid phases is not adversely affected.