Problem 153 - A Complete Resource Book in Chemistry for JEE Main

Question

Match the following: List I (Manufacturing process) 1\. Deacon's process for chlorine 2\. Hydrogenation of vegetable oils 3\. Ostwald's process for nitric acid 4\. Haber's process for ammonia The correct matching is List II (Catalyst used) (i) finely divided iron with molybdenum as promoter (ii) copper(II)chloride (iii) finely divided nickel powder (iv) platinum gauze

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

1-(ii), 2-(iii), 3-(iv), 4-(i)

Step 1: Identify the Catalyst for Deacon's Process

In Deacon's process, chlorine is produced from hydrogen chloride using oxygen over a catalyst. The catalyst used in this process is copper(II) chloride. Thus, Deacon's process matches with (ii) copper(II) chloride.

Step 2: Determine the Catalyst for Hydrogenation of Vegetable Oils

The hydrogenation of vegetable oils involves converting unsaturated fats to saturated fats by adding hydrogen. This process typically uses finely divided nickel powder as the catalyst. Therefore, the hydrogenation of vegetable oils matches with (iii) finely divided nickel powder.

Step 3: Link Ostwald's Process to Its Catalyst

Ostwald's process is used for the production of nitric acid from ammonia. The key reaction in this process is the oxidation of ammonia to nitric oxide, which is carried out over a catalyst made of platinum gauze. This means Ostwald's process matches with (iv) platinum gauze.

Step 4: Associate Haber's Process and Its Catalyst

Haber's process is involved in the synthesis of ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen gases. The common catalyst used in this process is finely divided iron with molybdenum as a promoter. Thus, Haber's process matches with (i) finely divided iron with molybdenum as promoter.

Key Concepts

Deacon's Process

Deacon's process is an industrial method for chlorine production. It involves oxidizing hydrogen chloride gas in the presence of oxygen. A crucial component of this process is the use of a catalyst, which in this case is copper(II) chloride.
This catalyst facilitates the reaction and allows for a more efficient and sustainable conversion. Here's how Deacon's process works:

• Hydrogen chloride (HCl) and oxygen (O₂) are passed over copper(II) chloride (CuCl₂).
• The catalyst serves to activate the reactants and promotes the reaction to form chlorine gas (Cl₂) and water (H₂O).

The copper(II) chloride plays a vital role because it lowers the activation energy needed for the reaction, thus increasing the yield of chlorine. Effective catalysts like CuCl₂ are chosen to optimize industrial-scale chemical processes. Understanding Deacon's process is important in the context of sustainable industrial chemistry, as chlorine is widely used in numerous applications, such as producing cleaning and disinfectant products.

Ostwald's Process

The Ostwald process is an innovative method to produce nitric acid, which is a vital component in fertilizers and explosives. The process is named after Wilhelm Ostwald, a renowned chemist who developed this efficient technique. The basic steps in the Ostwald Process include:

• Ammonia (NH₃) is oxidized to form nitric oxide (NO). This occurs over a platinum gauze catalyst at high temperatures.
• Nitric oxide is further oxidized to nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).
• Nitrogen dioxide is absorbed in water to ultimately produce nitric acid (HNO₃).

Key to the process is the platinum gauze catalyst. This catalyst increases the yield by providing a large surface area for the reaction to take place, enabling the necessary oxidation of ammonia.
Using platinum gauze ensures that the process is both economically viable and effective. By fostering these reactions, the Ostwald process remains an industrial cornerstone. It's crucial for students to grasp the utility of such catalytic processes in producing essential chemicals with reduced energy consumption and environmental impact.

Haber's Process

Haber's process, named after Fritz Haber, is fundamental for synthesizing ammonia by combining nitrogen and hydrogen gases. This process is critical for producing fertilizers, which are essential for modern agriculture. The reaction facilitated in Haber's Process is:

• Nitrogen (N₂) and hydrogen (H₂) gases are combined over a finely divided iron catalyst, with molybdenum acting as a promoter.
• The result is the production of ammonia (NH₃) under high pressure and temperature conditions.

The use of iron as a catalyst in Haber's process allows for increased efficiency, while molybdenum helps to enhance the catalyst's activity and longevity. A key factor in Haber's process is finding a balance between these conditions to achieve an optimal yield of ammonia.
Understanding this process highlights how chemistry and engineering come together to solve global agricultural challenges. By enhancing production efficiency, Haber's process plays an ongoing role in meeting food demands worldwide.

Hydrogenation of Vegetable Oils

Hydrogenation of vegetable oils is a process to convert unsaturated fats into saturated fats. Doing this improves the stability and extends the shelf-life of food products. The essential element in this process is the catalyst:

• Vegetable oils, which contain carbon-carbon double bonds, are exposed to hydrogen gas.
• A finely divided nickel powder catalyst facilitates the hydrogenation reaction.

During hydrogenation, the double bonds in the unsaturated fats open up, allowing hydrogen atoms to attach, turning them into saturated fats.
The nickel catalyst is invaluable as it accelerates the reaction rate, making it commercially feasible. This process is fundamental in the food industry, as it turns liquid oils into semi-solid forms, such as margarine and shortening. Understanding the role of hydrogenation and its catalysts helps us appreciate the underlying chemical transformations that influence everyday consumer products and their qualities.