PART Ii. 
MerayL ALcoHOL—METHANOL. 
Two processes, the Patart and the Badische Anilin und Soda 
Fabrik, are operating in Europe for the synthesis of methyl alcohol 
which is known commercially as methanol. 
The synthesis is effected by passing mixtures of producer gas 
(carbon monoxide) and hydrogen at a pressure of 200 atmospheres and 
a temperature of 400—500 deg.C. over a catalyst of zine oxide and 
chromic acid. On cooling the reaction product under pressure, a good 
yield of practically pure methyl alcohol is obtained. The process is 
stated to be economical and during last year methyl alcohol has been 
exported from Germany at a price which threatens the wood 
distillation industry. 
SYNTHOL. 
Carbon monoxide is also hydrogenated in the presence of iron and 
potash at a temperature of 410deg.C. and a pressure of 100 
atmospheres to a complicated mixture of organic derivatives which 
1s sold as a motor fuel under the name of ‘* Synthol.”’ 
It is significant that the German Dye Trust is erecting large plant 
for the carbonisation of coal in the centre of the German coal area 
with the object of producing either motalin or methanol to the extent 
of 250,000 to 300,000 tons per annum. 
Germany's annual consumption of motor fuel is 600,000 tons, and 
it is the intention to increase production to this amount. 
The Trust has made provision for the marketing of the fuel by 
acquiring a half interest in the Deutsche Gasolin Company and it 
appears that the oil companies fear the competition of the new fuel 
in the German fuel market, for both the Standard Oil Company and 
the Shell Company have entered into partnership with the Trust. each 
having acquired 259, of the Deutsche Gasolin shares. 
In conclusion it might be mentioned that the Maihle process, in 
which vegetable oils are cracked, and the products hydrogenated in 
the presence of a catalyst, is in operation in Belgium on an experi- 
mental scale. If the process develops the oil-bearing seeds of the 
tropics will play a part in supplying future requirements of fuel oil. 
Summary. 
In view of the increasing demand for liquid fuel and the doubtful 
adequacy of future supplies of petroleum, the possibilities of producing 
alcohol as an alternative fuel are discussed. 
The suitability of the different raw materials is considered and 
allowing for a considerable fall in the price of petrol it is concluded 
that alcohol can be produced commercially in Kenya from molasses 
and possibly from cassava. 
Even though it can compete with petrol attention is drawn to the 
possibility that agricultural alcohol for power purposes may be driven 
from the market by synthetic alcohol or by a competitive fuel produced 
by the liquefaction of coal. 
Mr. SIMPSON regretted that, as agriculturists, they could have 
very little to say. The question of industrial alcohol was a most 
important one to tropical and sub-tropical countries and had been 
considered very carefully for some considerable time. In Uganda, 
the question was one of very grave importance. as motor transport 
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