METHANOL SYNTHESIS.

In this review the author has attempted to summarize the more recent developments in the field of catalysis and surface chemical studies that are useful toward understanding the methanol synthesis reaction. It is perhaps evident that although much progress has been made since the last review by Natta, much is yet to be understood. While some knowledge is now available on the detailed reaction mechanism, such as the possible structures of some surface intermediates, controversy still exists. The detailed kinetics of the surface processes is virtually unknown. Even the nature of the rate-limiting step is not yet conclusively established. Progress has been made in characterizing the working catalyst, yet important information of the surface condition is lacking.