The Fischer-Tropsch Process is a chemical reaction that converts carbon monoxide and hydrogen into liquid hydrocarbons, primarily used to produce synthetic fuels. This process is named after chemists Franz Fischer and Hans Tropsch, who developed it in the 1920s. It typically occurs in the presence of a catalyst, such as iron or cobalt, under high temperature and pressure. This method is significant for producing fuels from non-petroleum sources, including natural gas, coal, and biomass. The resulting products can be refined into various fuels, such as diesel and gasoline, contributing to energy security and reducing reliance on crude oil.