Which catalyst is employed in the industrial Contact process for the catalytic oxidation of sulfur dioxide (SO2) to sulfur trioxide (SO3)?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Vanadium(V) oxide (V2O5)
- Step 1: The Contact process oxidizes SO2 to SO3: 2 SO2 + O2 <=> 2 SO3. Step 2. Vanadium(V) oxide (V2O5) on silica is the primary commercial catalyst operating at 400-450 °C because it is cost-effective and resistant to arsenic poisoning. Answer: Vanadium(V) oxide (V2O5). Why not the others: Iron/Mo is used in Haber process; Pt gauze in Ostwald process; Raney nickel in organic hydrogenation.
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