ABSTRACT
Modern synthesis technology is based on the Haber-Bosch process developed in Germany from 1909 to 1912. Coal gasification dominated the European synthesis gas generation until the 1950s. In the United States natural gas was cheap and steam reforming of gas was developed for generation of synthesis gas. The ammonia synthesis by coal gasification is dependent on the gasification process used. Synthesis gas is formed by the steam reforming of natural gas. The reformer effluent includes a mixture of hydrogen, carbon oxides, steam, and residual methane at 880°C and 20 bar. Chloromethanes have varied applications in the chemical industry. Methylene chloride is a multipurpose solvent, a degreasing agent, and a blowing agent. The ethylene oxide derivatives are especially well suited for use as household and industrial detergents. The propylene oxide products are oil soluble and may be used as lubricant oil additives or plasticizers for synthetic resins and rubber.
