Question

Write catalytic oxidation of ammonia equation and catelyst?

Answer 1

Catalytic oxidation of ammonia is the first step of Ostwald's process for preparation of nitric acid.

4NH₃ (g) + 5O₂ (g) → 4 No (g) + 6H₂O (g)

Nitric oxide thus produced reacts with O₂ to give NO₂

2NO (g) + O₂ (g) ↔ 2NO₂ (g)

Nitrogen dioxide formed reacts with water to give nitric acid.

3NO₂ (g) + H₂O (l) → 2HNO₃ (aq) + NO (g)

Catalyst used in 1st step are : Platinum / Rhodium gauge at 500 K , 9 bar.