Further support for the two-mechanisms hypothesis of Fischer–Tropsch synthesis Original Research Article

The recently proposed hypothesis of two incompatible mechanisms of chain growth based on CH2- and CO-insertion is furthermore supported by a detailed interpretation of the 13CH2N2 co-feeding experiments of Maitlis and co-workers and of the selectivity of branched hydrocarbons. The carbon number distribution is discussed considering in particular the role of readsorption and incorporation of 1-alkenes and its subsequent chain growth.