What solid chemical catalyst is employed in the catalytic converter chamber during the industrial Contact process for the manufacture of sulfuric acid?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. vanadium(V) oxide
- Step 1: In the Contact process, sulfur dioxide is oxidized to sulfur trioxide: 2SO₂ + O₂ <=> 2SO₃. Step 2. Vanadium(V) oxide (V₂O₅) is the standard industrial catalyst used at approximately 450°C. Answer: vanadium(V) oxide. Why not the others: Finely divided iron is used in the Haber process (NH₃); nickel is used for hydrogenation of vegetable oils; platinum was historically used but easily poisoned by arsenic impurities.
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