The most convenient way to eliminate hydrocarbons in the product gases of coal gasifiers is to crack them to lower molecular weight compounds using a catalyst. The objective of this work is to study kinetics of catalytic cracking of benzene using a catalyst, selected based on literature search, and to investigate effects of conditions prevailing in a typical gasifier. The aim is to identify and evaluate a catalyst which would be effective in controlling hydrocarbons emission from a gasifier, itself. This work will entail the current efforts to identify, through literature search, materials for in-bed control of hydrocarbons, alkali, and trace metals. The emphasis will be on materials that show potential for multifunctionality. The scope of the work will mainly include kinetic studies on benzene cracking using a selected catalyst, investigation of catalyst deactivation and poisoning effects, if any, and reaction rate modeling. The work on reactor system development of the project commenced in September 1981. In the initial few months time was devoted to the designing of the reactor assembly, and procurement of equipment and supplies needed for the experimental work. System performance tests were performed to identify the proper isothermal temperature zone for this operation. Two catalyst materials were chosen for the preliminary tests, a Greer limestone, and iron oxide (45%) - silica (55%) sorbent. (DMC)