Total synthesis benzene and its derivatives as major gasoline extenders.

Synthesized benzene and simple alkylated derivatives are proposed as nonpetrochemical gasoline components. Feasible raw materials include coal, coke, charcoal, and carbonaceous wastes. The basic synthesis consists of the formation of lithium carbide by reaction of the metal with carbon, hydrolysis of the carbide to acetylene, cyclization of acetylene to benzene, and regeneration of lithium metal. Total synthesis benzene is substantially different from other synthetic hydrocarbon fuels in that its hydrogen content is obtained from water so that hydrogen gas is not needed as a major reactant.