Question

The first step in the manufacture of nitric (v) acid from ammonia involves the exothermic oxidation of ammonia to nitrogen (II) oxide.
a) write an equation for the reaction.
b) (i) Name the catalyst for the reaction.
(ii) Other than the catalyst state one other condition necessary for optimum yield of nitrogen (II) oxide from this reaction.
c) using equations only explain how the nitrogen (II) oxide is converted to nitric (V) acid.

Answer 1

Explanation:

4NH

3

+5O

2

800

0

C

Pt

4NO+6H

2

O+△

The catalyst used is platinum. The catalyst glows since the catalytic oxidation of ammonia is an exothermic reaction. The industrial process is known as Ostwald's Process for the manufacture of nitric acid.