A test procedure for alkali-free Cu-Co-based catalysts synthesized by co-precipitation was established allowing the fast assessment and screening of their catalytic properties in the synthesis of higher alcohols by online GC analysis. Due to precisely controlled initial deactivation of the catalysts at 280 A degrees C long-term measurements were avoided and steady-state conditions at 260 A degrees C were reached within a short period of time. Temperatures up to 300 A degrees C were found to favor the formation of methanol, whereas the product distribution was not affected at lower space velocities. Even traces of alkali ions present due to insufficient washing were found to strongly affect the catalytic properties. [GRAPHICS] .