Low-temperature hydrocarbon production from oxygenated hydrocarbons

A method of producing C1 to C6 hydrocarbons comprising:

• reacting water and a water-soluble oxygenated hydrocarbon having at least two carbon atoms, at a temperature not greater than about 400° C., at a pressure where the water and the oxygenated hydrocarbon remain condensed liquids, and in the presence of a metal-containing catalyst, wherein the catalyst comprises a metal selected from the group consisting of Group VIIIB transitional metals, alloys thereof, and mixtures thereof, wherein C1 to C6 hydrocarbons are produced.

A method of producing C1 to C6 alkanes comprising:

• reacting water and a water-soluble oxygenated hydrocarbon having at least two carbon atoms, at a temperature of from about 100° C. to about 450° C., and at a pressure where the water and the oxygenated hydrocarbon are condensed liquids, in the presence of a metal-containing catalyst, wherein the catalyst comprises a metal selected from the group consisting of Group VIII transitional metals, alloys thereof, and mixtures thereof, the catalyst being adhered to a support wherein C1 to C6 alkanes are produced.