The K2CO3/CO-MoS2/Clay catalyst was synthesized and its productivity and selectivity toward higher alcohol synthesis (HAS) fuel were tested at temperature and pressure ranges of 290-320 degreesC, H-2/CO=1.1 syngas, GHSV(avg)=1800 h(-1), and 13790 kPa, respectively. Highest oxygenates productivity (0.32 kg/kg catalyst/h) was obtained at 310 degreesC with all oxygenates selectivity of 70%. Under the above conditions, the major oxygenates produced were ethanol, I-propanol, methanol, and isobutanol, respectively. Increasing the reaction temperature for K2CO3/Co-MoS2/clay catalyst led to a decreasing trend in the selectivity of oxygenates. However, at higher temperatures, the clay-combined catalyst produced more hydrocarbons and CO2. The results indicated that clay had a significant impact on higher alcohol synthesis when K2CO3 was incorporated into the Co-MoS2, and acted as a modifier of the catalyst serving to increase the activity and selectivity to higher alcohol fuel in the temperature range of 290-310 degreesC. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.