Abstract: A catalyst useful for selectively converting a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen to a mixture of lower alkanols consisting essentially of a mixture of molybdenum sulfide, an alkali metal compound and a tantalum compound.

Abstract: A catalyst and method for preparing a mixture of lower aliphatic alcohols is provided. The method includes reacting a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen under suitable conditions of temperature and pressure in the presence of a catalyst composition. The catalyst composition comprises rhodium, cobalt, molybdenum and cesium.

Abstract: A catalyst and method for preparing a mixture of lower aliphatic alcohols is provided. The method includes reacting a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen under suitable conditions of temperature and pressure in the presence of a catalyst composition. The catalyst composition comprises rhodium, cobalt, molybdenum and a combination of potassium and rubidium.

Abstract: An improved Fischer-Tropsch process for hydrocarbon synthesis operated in the fluid mode of the Sasol's Synthol Process provides increased diesel and heavier hydrocarbon yield wherein a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalyst modified by a minor amount of a zeolite catalyst selectively converts enough waxy product to prevent adhesion between catalyst particles which might interfere with catalyst flow thereby permitting maximization of diesel oil and heavy hydrocarbon yield.

Abstract: A process for making alcohols comprising contacting a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide with a catalyst comprising:(1) as a first component, at least one element selected from the group consisting of molybdenum and tungsten in free or combined form;(2) as a second component, at least one element selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt and nickel in free or combined form;(3) as a third component, a promoter comprising an alkali or alkaline earth element in free or combined form; and optionally(4) as a fourth component, a support;to form an alcohol fraction boiling in the range of motor gasoline in at least 20 percent CO.sub.2 free carbon selectivity.

Abstract: A catalyst composition which contains at least one metal from Group 2b and at least one metal from Group 6b of the Periodic Table of the Elements or compounds thereof and a crystalline aluminum silicate which is obtained by crystallizing an aqueous alkaline starting mixture comprising at least one silicon compound, at least one aluminum compound, at least one compound of a metal from Group 1a of the Periodic Table of the Elements (MX) and organic nitrogen compounds at an elevated temperature until said crystalline aluminum silicate is formed and subsequently separating crystalline aluminum silicate from the mother liquor, in which starting mixture the compounds are present in the following molar ratios:RN: R.sub.4 NY=1-1000,SiO.sub.2 : R.sub.4 NY=10-5000,SiO.sub.2 : Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 =50-300,SiO.sub.2 : MX<15, andH.sub.2 O: SiO.sub.2 =5-100,where RN represents a pyridine and R.sub.4 NY represents an organic quaternary ammonium compound.

Abstract: A novel siliceous crystalline composition of matter further comprising one or more metals is prepared by admixing a basic silica salt and a dissolved metal salt in the presence of a quaternary ammonium ion and subsequently heating under pressurized conditions. This novel composition of matter is useful as a catalyst for oxidation, alkylation, disproportionation, synthesis gas conversion, hydrocracking, and hydrodewaxing.

Abstract: A method of inducing surface ensembles on a transition metal catalyst used in the conversion of a reactant gas or gas mixture, such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen into hydrocarbons (the Fischer-Tropsch reaction) is disclosed which comprises adding a Lewis base to the syngas (CO+H.sub.2) mixture before reaction takes place. The formation of surface ensembles in this manner restricts the number and types of reaction pathways which will be utilized, thus greatly narrowing the product distribution and maximizing the efficiency of the Fischer-Tropsch reaction. Similarly, amines may also be produced by the conversion of reactant gas or gases, such as nitrogen, hydrogen, or hydrocarbon constituents.

Abstract: A method of methane production with a thioresistant catalyst wherein a mixture comprising in particular carbon monoxide, hydrogen and sulphur compounds is contacted with a thioresistant catalyst comprising a metal selected from the group comprising molybdenum, vanadium or tungsten and possible cobalt and/or nickel, this catalyst being deposited onto a cerium oxide support, the reaction being performed at a temperature lying between about 250.degree. C. and 650.degree. C. and at a pressure lying between about 5 bars and 140 bars. This method is useful to carry out the effective methane synthesis with a much improved selectivity in favor of methane.

Abstract: Mixed alcohols are produced from carbon monoxide and hydrogen gases using an easily prepared catalyst/co-catalyst metal catalyst. The catalyst metals are molybdenum, tungsten or rhenium. The co-catalyst metals are cobalt, nickel or iron. The catalyst is promoted with a Fischer-Tropsch promoter like an alkali or alkaline earth series metal or a smaller amount of thorium and is further treated by sulfiding. The composition of the mixed alcohols fraction can be selected by selecting the extent of intimate contact among the catalytic components.

Abstract: A composition for use after reductive activation as a catalyst in the conversion of synthesis gas to hydrocarbons, which composition comprises as essential components (i) cobalt either as the elemental metal, the oxide or a compound thermally decomposable to the elemental metal and/or oxide and (ii) zinc in the form of the oxide or a compound thermally decomposable to the oxide.

Abstract: A method for preparing a mixture of lower aliphatic alcohols from the reaction of carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of an oxide-containing heavy metal catalyst under carbon monoxide-hydrogenation conditions in which said catalyst comprises an alumina support, at least one heavy metal oxide selected from the group of oxides consisting of molybdenum, tungsten, rhenium, optionally, a heavy metal oxide from the group of elements consisting of cobalt, iron and nickel, and an alkali or alkaline earth promotor which has been treated with a nitrogen-containing compound, or a thermally stable derivative thereof is provided.

Abstract: A method for preparing a mixture of lower aliphatic alcohols from the reaction of carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a zeolite-containing heavy metal catalyst under carbon monoxide-hydrogenation conditions in which said catalysts comprises a zeolite support, at least one heavy metal oxide selected from the group of oxides consisting of molybdenum, tungsten, rhenium, optionally, a heavy metal oxide from the group of elements consisting of cobalt, iron and nickel and an alkali or alkaline earth promoter which has been treated with a nitrogen-containing compound, or a thermally stable derivative thereof is provided. A method for preparing zeolite-containing catalysts by treating with volatile metal complexes at high pressure is also provided.

Abstract: A process for the production of catalyst materials stabilized in the active state, comprising activating the catalyst starting materials in a reducing gas atmosphere, impregnating the activated catalysts with the melt of a solid inert to the active catlayst, and solidifying the melt impregnation by cooling. The particulate catalyst starting material is passed under the reaction conditions of the activation stage through a reaction zone filled with the reducing gas atmosphere which is in direct contact with the melt of the impregnating solid; the activated catalyst material is introduced into this melt; subsequently removed therefrom; and the molten solid left to solidify. If desired, the impregnated catalyst material may be mechanically size-reduced.

Abstract: A method for preparing a mixture of lower aliphatic alcohols from the reaction of carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a sulfide-containing heavy metal catalyst under carbon monoxide-hydrogenation conditions in which said catalyst comprises at least one sulfided heavy metal element selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, tungsten, rhenium, and an alkali or alkaline earth promoter which has been treated with a nitrogen-containing compound, or a thermally stable derivative thereof is provided.

Abstract: A method of methane production with a thioresistant catalyst wherein a mixture comprising in particular carbon monoxide, hydrogen and sulphur compounds is contacted with a thioresistant catalyst comprising a metal selected from the group comprising molybdenum, vanadium or tungsten and possibly cobalt and/or nickel, this catalyst being deposited onto a cerium oxide support, the reaction being performed at a temperature lying between about 250.degree. C. and 650.degree. C. and at a pressure lying between about 5 bars and 140 bars. This method is useful to carry out the effective methane synthesis with a much improved selectivity in favor of methane.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of a mixture of synthesis gas into preponderantly C.sub.1-10 oxygenated hydrocarbons and especially C.sub.1-5 mixed alcohols using a reduced catalyst of the necessary components of(1) niobium, tantalum, molybdenum, tungsten, technetium and/or rhenium; and(2) yttrium, a lanthanide and/or actinide series metal;and the optional components of(3) a promoter; and/or(4) a support.High synthesis gas conversions are possible in large part due to the high catalytic activity of the reduced catalyst. The reduced catalyst composition itself with yttrium as cocatalyst metal or promoted with special levels of a Fisher-Tropsch promoter.

Abstract: Ethanol is prepared with high selectivity by the catalytic reaction of carbon monoxide and hydrogen.

Abstract: Mixed alcohols are produced from carbon monoxide and hydrogen gases using an easily prepared catalyst/co-catalyst metal catalyst. The catalyst metals are molybdenum, tungsten or rhenium. The co-catalyst metals are cobalt, nickel or iron. The catalyst is promoted with a Fischer-Tropsch promoter like an alkali or alkaline earth series metal or a smaller amount of thorium and is further treated by sulfiding. The composition of the mixed alcohols fraction can be selected by selecting the extent of intimate contact among the catalytic components.

Abstract: A process for making alcohols comprising contacting a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide with a catalyst comprising:(1) as a first component, at least one element selected from the group consisting of molybdenum and tungsten in free or combined form;(2) as a second component, at least one element selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt and nickel in free or combined form;(3) as a third component, a promoter comprising an alkali or alkaline earth element in free or combined form; and optionally(4) as a fourth component, a support;to form an alcohol fraction boiling in the range of motor gasoline in at least 20 percent CO.sub.2 free carbon selectivity.

Abstract: A Fischer-Tropsch reaction to form alcohols from hydrogen and carbon monoxide, using a catalyst containing:(1) at least one element selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, tungsten and rhenium in free or combined form;(2) a promoter comprising an alkali or alkaline earth element in free or combined form; and optionally(3) a support;forms an alcohol fraction boiling in the range of motor gasoline in at least about 20 percent CO.sub.2 free carbon selectivity.

Abstract: A process for producing hydrocarbons which comprises bringing a gas mixture comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide into contact with a catalyst comprising manganese oxide, alkali metal, sulfur, and ruthenium to produce hydrocarbons. The hydrocarbons formed are rich in olefins. When a catalyst prepared by combining the above described catalyst with crystalline zeolite is used, the hydrocarbons formed becomes rich in liquid hydrocarbons, particularly, a gasoline fraction.

Abstract: Crystalline ferroborosilicate compositions are prepared from a silica containing mixture by digesting a reaction mixture comprising a tetraalkylammonium compound, a sodium hydroxide, a boron compound, an oxide of silicon, an iron ion source, an optional chelating agent and water to provide the crystalline ferroborosilicate which is then palladium ion-exchanged. This composition may be used alone or physically mixed with a methanol catalyst. Conversion of synthesis gas, dimethylether, ethylene and methanol to low molecular hydrocarbons employing these new ferroborosilicates as catalysts is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a finely divided iron carbide-first row transition metal-based catalyst which is produced by a gas phase pyrolytic decomposition reaction driven by a laser. The catalysts may be used to produce various hydrocarbons, including olefins, from CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2.

Abstract: New catalysts comprising molybdenum on supports of defined wide-pore carbons are useful as catalyst for reaction of CO with H.sub.2 for synthesis of hydrocarbons. Catalysts may be made by depositing Mo(CO).sub.6 on the carbon support particles by vapor deposition or solution impregnation. The catalyst may also comprise a second metal, such as rhodium or palladium.

Abstract: For the reaction of CO and H.sub.2 to produce hydrocarbons and alcohols, catalysts prepared by depositing carbonyls of molybdenum or tungsten and rhodium or ruthenium on alumina support and decomposing and oxidizing the carbonyls to oxides of the metals on the support.

Abstract: A method for controlling the ratio of methanol to higher alcohols produced in a process for making mixed alcohols by contacting a hydrogen- and carbon monoxide-containing feed with a molybdenum- or tungsten-containing catalyst, said method comprising adjusting a concentration of a sulfur releasing substance in the feed.

Abstract: Conversion of syn gas to methanol and higher alkanols wherein alkanols are added to a syn gas reactor. Lower alkanols are homologated to higher alkanols. Liquid methanol is added as an interstage quench.

Abstract: Crystalline palladium or platinum ferrometallosilicate compositions are prepared from a silica-containing mixture by digesting a reaction mixture comprising (a) a tetraalkylammonium compound, (b) a sodium hydroxide, (c) a titanium compound, an aluminum compound, or a manganese compound, (d) an oxide of silicon, (e) an iron ion source, (f) optionally, a chelating agent and (g) water to provide a crystalline ferrometallosilicate which is then palladium or platinum ion-exchanged. Conversion of synthesis gas to low molecular hydrocarbons with high C.sub.2 -C.sub.3 alkanes selectivity employing these new ferrometallosilicates as catalysts is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing a mixture of lower aliphatic alcohols characterized by containing a substantial proportion of aliphatic alcohols having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms by reacting a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen under suitable conditions of temperature and pressure in the presence of a catalyst comprising molybdenum and a metal from the group consisting of cobalt, iron and nickel, said catalyst being modified by the addition of a promoter from the class consisting of potassium, cesium and rubidium, said promoter being employed at a concentration ranging from about 1.8 to 13.0 micromoles of said alkali per square meter of surface area of said catalyst.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing a mixture of methanol and higher alcohols by reacting carbon oxides with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst containing simultaneously copper, cobalt, aluminum and at least one alkali or alkaline-earth metal A selected from lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, caesium, beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium and barium, in respective atomic ratios of Cu/Co=0.1-5, Al/co=0.7-4, A metals/Co=0.05-3.5, the proportion by weight of each metal to the total metals weight being respectively: copper: 10-65%, cobalt: 5-50%, aluminum: 5-40%, metal A: 0.1-15%, the homogeneity of the catalyst being such that the atomic ratio cobalt/aluminum does not vary by more than 15% with respect to its average value, on a scale of 5 nanometers.

Abstract: C.sub.4.sup.- hydrocarbons are converted into syngas with a H.sub.2 /CO molar ratio between 0.25 and 2.25 by reforming at a pressure above 10 bar in the presence of specified amounts of carbon dioxide and steam followed by conversion of the syngas into C.sub.5.sup.+ hydrocarbons over a cobalt-containing catalyst or a catalyst combination comprising a cobalt-containing catalyst and having CO-shift activity.

Abstract: The conversion of synthesis gas to liquid molar fuels by means of a cobalt Fischer-Tropsch catalyst composition is enhanced by the addition of molybdenum, tungsten or a combination thereof as an additional component of said composition. The presence of the additive component increases the olefinic content of the hydrocarbon products produced. The catalyst composition can advantageously include a support component, such as a molecular sieve, co-catalyst/support component or a combination of such support components.

Abstract: A two-step process is disclosed wherein C.sub.9.sup.+ hydrocarbons are prepared from C.sub.4.sup.- hydrocarbons by steam reforming followed by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis over a special cobalt-containing catalyst. Yields of C.sub.9.sup.+ hydrocarbons are increased by recycling a gaseous fraction comprising unconverted H.sub.2 and CO as well as C.sub.8.sup.- hydrocarbon by-products and steam to the steam reformer.

Abstract: Synthesis gas comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen is converted to C.sub.5.sup.+ hydrocarbons suitable for use as liquid motor fuels by contact with a dual catalyst system capable of enhancing the selectivity of said conversion to motor fuel range hydrocarbons and the quality of the resulting motor fuel product. The catalyst composition employs a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst, together with a co-catalyst/support component comprising SAPO silicoaluminophosphate, non-zeolitic molecular sieve catalyst.

Abstract: A catalyst and process useful at low temperatures (below about 160.degree. C.) and preferably in the range 80.degree.-120.degree. C. used in the production of methanol from carbon monoxide and hydrogen is disclosed. The catalyst is used in slurry form and comprises a complex reducing agent derived from the component structure NaH--RONa--M(OAc).sub.2 where M is selected from the group consisting of Ni, Pd, and Co and R is a lower alkyl group containing 1-6 carbon atoms. This catalyst is preferably used alone but is also effective in combination with a metal carbonyl of a group VI (Mo, Cr, W) metal. The preferred catalyst precursor is Nic (where M=Ni and R=tertiary amyl). Mo(CO).sub.6 is the preferred metal carbonyl if such component is used. The catalyst is subjected to a conditioning or activating step under temperature and pressure, similar to the parameters given above, to afford the active catalyst.

Abstract: A gas reaction process for the preferential production of methyl formate over the co-production of methanol wherein the reactant ratio of CO/H.sub.2 is upgraded and this reaction takes place at low temperatures of 50.degree.-150.degree. C. and moderate pressures of .gtoreq.100 psi.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing a mixture of lower aliphatic alcohols characterized by containing a substantial proportion of aliphatic alcohols having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms by reacting a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen under suitable conditions of temperature and pressure in the presence of a catalyst comprising molybdenum, a metal from the group consisting of cobalt, iron and nickel, and rhenium, said catalyst being modified by the addition of a promoter from the class consisting of potassium, cesium and rubidium, said promoter being employed at a concentration ranging from about 1.8 to 13.0 micromoles of said alkali per square meter of surface area of said catalyst.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing a mixture of lower aliphatic alcohols characterized by containing a substantial proportion of aliphatic alcohols having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms by reacting a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen under suitable conditions of temperature and pressure in the presence of a catalyst comprising molybdenum, a metal from the group consisting of cobalt, iron and nickel, and silver, said catalyst being modified by the addition of a promoter from the class consisting of potassium, cesium and rubidium, said promoter being employed at a concentration ranging from about 1.8 to 13.0 micromoles of said alkali per square meter of surface area of said catalyst.

Abstract: A facile synthesis of the precursor, Cp.sub.2 Mo.sub.2 (.mu.-S).sub.2 (.mu.-SH).sub.2, to novel heterobimetallic cluster compositions (e.g., Cp.sub.2 Mo.sub.2 Fe.sub.2 (.mu.-S).sub.2 (CO).sub.8 ; Cp.sub.2 Mo.sub.2 Ni.sub.2 (.mu..sub.3 -S).sub.4 (CO).sub.2 ; Cp.sub.2 Mo.sub.2 Co.sub.2 (.mu..sub.3 -S).sub.2 (.mu..sub.4 -S)(CO).sub.4 ; Cp.sub.2 Mo.sub.2 Fe.sub.2 (.mu..sub.3 -S).sub.4 (CO).sub.6 and Cp.sub.4 Mo.sub.2 Ni.sub.2 S.sub.4 and the subsequent synthesis and use of the heterobimetallic cluster compositions as highly active and selective catalysts for the hydrogenation of carbon monoxide. Such heterobimetallic cluster catalysts supported on alumina exhibit extraordinary activity and selectivity with respect to the formation of ethane without concommitant formation of C.sub.3, C.sub.4 and heavier hydrocarbons. The catalysts are contemplated as being useful for syngas conversion even in the presence of several ppm of H.sub.2 S or the like in the feedstream.

Abstract: Self-promoted molybdenum and tungsten sulfide hydrotreating catalysts are prepared by heating one or more water soluble catalyst precursors in a non-oxidizing atmosphere in the presence of sulfur at a temperature of at least about 200.degree. C. The precursors will be one or more compounds of the formula ML(Mo.sub.y W.sub.1-y O.sub.4) wherein M is one or more promoter metals selected from the group consisting essentially of Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and mixtures thereof, wherein O.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.1 and wherein L is a nitrogen containing, neutral multidentate, chelating ligand. In a preferred embodiment the ligand L will comprise one or more chelating alkyl di or triamines and the non-oxidizing atmosphere will comprise H.sub.2 S.

Abstract: New catalysts comprising molybdenum on supports of defined wide-pore carbons are useful as catalyst for reaction of CO with H.sub.2 for synthesis of hydrocarbons. Catalysts may be made by depositing Mo(CO).sub.6 on the carbon support particles by vapor deposition or solution impregnation. The catalyst may also comprise a second metal, such as rhodium or palladium.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for the production of C.sub.4 -C.sub.5 hydroxyketones by reaction of formaldehyde and synthesis gas in a basic organic solvent in the presence of a tungsten and Group VIII metal-containing catalyst composition.

Abstract: A two-step process is disclosed wherein C.sub.9.sup.+ hydrocarbons are prepared from C.sub.4.sup.- hydrocarbons by steam reforming followed by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis over a special cobalt-containing catalyst. Yields of C.sub.9.sup.+ hydrocarbons are increased by recycling a gaseous fraction comprising unconverted H.sub.2 and CO as well as C.sub.8.sup.- hydrocarbon by-products and steam to the steam reformer.

Abstract: Catalysts comprising a medium to large port zeolite modified by the oxide or acid of an element selected from the group consisting of Group IIIA to VIIA elements and, a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst wherein the ratio of zeolite to Fischer-Tropsch component is from about 0.1 to 50:1 can be employed to produce fuel grade saturated gaseous hydrocarbons from synthesis gas. A process is employed which includes the step of contacting synthesis gas over the foregoing catalyst at a reaction temperature of from about 100.degree. C. to 500.degree. C. and at a pressure of from about one atmosphere (0.1 MPa) to about 200 atmospheres (20 MPa) and at a gas hourly space velocity of from about 10 to 100,000. A method is also provided for the preparation of the combination catalyst. The catalyst and process for its use results in a small liquid aromatic product also being formed which is suitable for forming gasoline. Olefins and oxygenates are essentially eliminated.

Abstract: A process is described using novel thallium-promoted iron catalysts in CO hydrogenation with steam. Mixtures of CO and steam are converted to liquid C.sub.6 -C.sub.13 hydrocarbons containing substantial amounts of C.sub.6 -C.sub.13 aromatics.

Abstract: A process for producing a mixed alcohol by contacting a synthesis gas with a catalyst, wherein the catalyst is a solid substance prepared by:calcining a mixture of (A) a zinc compound, (B) a compound of at least one metal selected from iron, cobalt, and nickel, and (C) a compound of at least one metal selected from the metals belonging to Groups II-VII of the Periodic Table;impregnating the above-calcined product with (D) an alkali metal compound and/or an alkaline earth metal compound;calcining the resulting mixture; andreducing the thus-calcined product.The selectivity of the mixed alcohol is high in the process of the present invention. This is one of the advantages of the present invention. Furthermore, the proportion of alcohols other than methanol in the mixed alcohol is relatively high, and thus the mixed alcohol is suitable for use as an alcohol component to be compounded to gasoline.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of carrying out a mobile atom insertion reaction, such as a hydrogen insertion reaction, for the synthesis of reduced, hydrogenated compounds. Such reactions include the production of ammonia and hydrazine from nitrogen, formic acid and methanol from carbon dioxide, and hydrogen peroxide from oxygen. The insertion reactions are carried out at a bipolar mobile atom transmissive membrane comprising a membrane formed of a mobile atom pump material, as a hydrogen pump material, conductive atom transmissive means on one surface of the membrane and conductive atom transmissive means on the opposite surface of the membrane. The mobile atom, such as hydrogen, diffuses across the membrane, to provide a source of hydrogen on the insertion reaction side of the membrane. The insertion reaction side of the membrane is positively biased with respect to a counterelectrode so that a reactant molecule, such as carbon dioxide, is electrosorbed on that surface of the membrane.

Abstract: A gas rich in methane is prepared by the methanantion of a synthesis gas containing carbon oxides, hydrogen and optionally other gases in the presence of one or more gaseous sulphur compounds, normally in an amount of at least 10 ppm preferably at least 200 ppm by volume, calculated as H.sub.2 S, with the aid of a catalyst comprising vanadium and/or molybdenum, which during the process is present as one or more sulphides, on a support comprising titanium dioxide.A high activity and a high selectivity for methane are obtained. A further advantage is that, by far, the main constituent of the higher hydrocarbons formed is ethane, which, by conversion into ethylene, is an important raw material in petrochemical synthesis.The selectivity for methane formation may be further improved by promoting the catalyst with compounds, especially sulphides of metals of groups IA, IIA and/or IIIB, particularly cerium.

Abstract: The invention involves the synergistic effect of the specific catalytic constituents on a specific series of carriers for the methanation of carbon monoxide in the presence of sulfur at relatively high temperatures and at low steam to gas ratios in the range of 0.2:1 or less. This effect was obtained with catalysts comprising the mixed sulfides and oxides of nickel and chromium supported on carriers comprising magnesium aluminate and magnesium silicate. Conversion of carbon monoxide to methane was in the range of from 40 to 80%. Tests of this combination of metal oxides and sulfides on other carriers and tests of other metal oxides and sulfides on the same carrier produced a much lower level of conversion.