Process for producing aromatic hydrocarbons from carbon monoxide and water

A process for producing liquid hydrocarbons, including those in the C.sub.6 -C.sub.13 range, comprising contacting a mixture of carbon monoxide and water vapor, in a 5:1 to 1:5 volume ratio, respectively, with a catalyst composition, which can be unpromoted or promoted with an agent other than copper or its compounds, wherein said catalyst consists essentially of a mixture of iron compounds and thallium compounds being supported or unsupported, said compound of iron and thallium being selected from the group consisting of an oxide, hydroxide, carbonate, sulfate, carbide, halide, nitrate, or mixtures thereof, wherein said iron compound contains iron value initially being substantially in the trivalent state prior to pretreatment, said thallium compounds being substantially impregnated on the surface of said iron compound, which is pretreated at 270.degree. C. or above, with a gaseous reducing atmosphere, wherein the weight ratio of iron/thallium, taken as the free metals, is from about 100:1 to 1:100, said process being conducted at a temperature of about 250.degree. C. to 550.degree. C. a pressure of about 0.1 to 7.5 MPa, and a space velocity of about 10 to 10,000 v/v/hr., thereby resulting in product liquid hydrocarbons in the C.sub.6 -C.sub.13 range, comprising a substantial amount of C.sub.6 -C.sub.13 aromatic hydrocarbons.