In contact process, the catalyst used in the conversion of sulphur(IV)oxide to sulphur(VI) oxide is
- nickel
- platinum
-
vanadium(V)oxide
- magnesium(IV)oxide
The correct answer is: C
Explanation
The contact process is an industrial method for producing sulphuric acid. Vanadium(V) oxide (V\(_2\)O\(_5\)) is the catalyst used in the contact process to convert sulphur(IV)oxide to sulphur(VI) oxide
The process involves:
- Burning sulphur: Molten sulfur is burned in the presence of air to produce sulphur dioxide.
- Conversion to sulphur trioxide: Sulphur dioxide is converted to sulphur trioxide using the catalyst vanadium pentoxide. This reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat.
- Formation of oleum: Sulphur trioxide is dissolved in a 94% H\(_2\)SO\(_4\)solution to create oleum, also known as fuming sulphuric acid. Platinum was originally used as the catalyst in the contact process, but vanadium pentoxide is now preferred because it's less likely to react with arsenic impurities in the sulphur feedstock.
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