Friday, January 29, 2010

Catalytic reactions
The followings are all catalytic reactions in the Chemistry syllabus :
1- To make H2 gas in a small amount in the laboratory :
Zn + H2SO4 => ZnSO4 + H2, catalysts = Copper(II) sulphate, CuSO4
2- Haber process = Manufacture ammonia, NH3 :
N2 + 3H2 => 2NH3, catalyst = Iron, Fe
3- Contact process = Manufacture sulphuric acid, H2SO4 :
SO2 + O2 => SO3, catalyst = Vanadium(V) oxide, V2O5
4- Ostwald process = Manufacture nitric acid, HNO3 :
4NH3 + 5O2 => 4NO + 6H2O, catalyst = Platinum, Pt
5- Decomposition of hydogen peroxide :
2H2O2 => 2H2O + O2, catalyst = Manganese(IV) oxide, MnO2
Catalytic reactions of carbon compounds :
6- Catalytic hydrogenation of alkenes :
C2H4 + H2 => C2H6, catalyst = Nickel, Ni or Pt
7- Hydration of alkenes :
C2H4 + H2O => C2H5OH, catalyst = Phosphoric(V) acid, H3PO4
8- Fermentation = To produce ethanol :
C6H12O6 => 2C2H5OH + 2CO2, catalysts = Zymase from yeast
(Glucose)
9- Dehydration of ethanol :
C2H5OH => C2H4 + H2O
Catalyst = Unglazed porcelian chips, porous pot, pumice stone or Al2O3
10- Esterification reaction = To make esters :
Carboxylic acid + alcohol => ester, catalysts = Concentrated H2SO4
11- Conversion of unsaturated fats into saturated fats = Catalytic hydrogenation, catalyst
= Ni