The thermodynamics of the hydrogenation of oxides of carbon

The thermodynamics of the hydrogenation of CO and CO 2 is summarized. Equilibrium compositions for a number of reactions proceeding simultaneously to yield a number of hydrocarbons and oxygenated organic molecules are reported. If methane is included in these calculations, methane is the predominant product; therefore, for the production of other molecules selective catalysts are required. For producing methane the hydrogenation of CO 2 rather than CO may be advantageous, because the reaction is less exothermic. Thermodynamic calculations and results of tests on Raney nickel in a small tubular reactor show that high yields of methane can be obtained in the hydrogenation of both CO and CO 2 at temperatures as high as 450°C.