Transient isotopic tracing is applied to Fischer-Tropsch and related syntheses producing hydrocarbons and oxygenated compounds. These reactions furnish the basic path for production of carbon compounds from coal. Previous work has applied this method to methanation over nickel, molybdenum sulfide, and ruthenium and has identified the key surface intermediates. This work aims to illustrate how these one-carbon intermediates react with each other as well as with hydrogen and with carbon monoxide to form simple hydrocarbons and oxygenated species of higher molecular weight. Ruthenium catalysts are employed. It is known that a large variety of compounds are produced in this system; this work should provide the knowledge needed for control of conditions to maximize production of desired species.
