Question

When a mixture of CO and H2 is heated at 573 K-673 K under 200-300 atmospheric pressure in the presence of a catalyst, methanol is produced. The catalyst used is

• A. \(Pt-BaSO_4\)
• B. \(ZnO-Cr_2O_3\)
• C. \(Ni-Cr_2O_3\)
• D. \(Pd-BaSO_4\)
• E. \(CuO-Cr_2O_3\)

Hint:

Synthesis gas (\(CO + H_2\)) produces different products depending on the catalyst:
1. Methanol with \(ZnO/Cr_2O_3\).
2. Methane with \(Ni\) catalyst.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Methanol is produced industrially by the catalytic hydrogenation of carbon monoxide (\(CO\)) using "synthesis gas" (mixture of \(CO\) and \(H_2\)).

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The reaction for the industrial synthesis of methanol is:
\[ CO(g) + 2H_2(g) \xrightarrow{ZnO-Cr_2O_3, \text{ 573-673 K, 200-300 atm}} CH_3OH(l) \]
The Zinc Oxide (\(ZnO\)) and Chromic Oxide (\(Cr_2O_3\)) act as the specific catalyst mixture required for this high-pressure conversion.
Modern processes might also use a mixture of copper, zinc oxide, and alumina.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The catalyst used is \(ZnO-Cr_2O_3\).