ABSTRACT
For the conversion of hydrocarbon feedstocks such as natural gas (mainly methane), petroleum, and coal to chemical intermediates, an important step is that of re forming. Reforming refers to the highly endothermic catalytic conversion of such hydrocarbons with either carbon dioxide or steam to produce synthesis gas, a mixture of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen. Synthesis gas may be converted by various exothermic reactions to very useful products, such as methanol, ethanol, ethylene, and acetone.
