Process for producing low molecular weight hydrocarbons from carbon monoxide and hydrogen

Abstract

Low molecular weight hydrocarbons are produced by contacting carbon monoxide and hydrogen at elevated temperatures and pressures with a catalyst comprising oxides of chromium, molybdenum and/or tungsten, copper, thorium or uranium and at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal. Catalysts are provided which are prepared by the procedure of adding an alkali or alkaline earth metal carbonate to an aqueous solution or slurry containing decomposable salts of thorium or uranium and copper chromate, copper tungstate and/or copper molybdate to form a precipitate. The precipitate is heated, neutralized, dried and thereafter calcined and reduced.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.