The Contact Process Flashcards
1
Q
What is the contact process used to make
A
Sulfuric acid
2
Q
Stage 1 of the contact process
A
- sulfur in the air or sulfide ores are burnt to make sulfur dioxide
• S + O2 ——» SO2
3
Q
Stage 2 of the contact process
A
The sulfur dioxide is the oxidised to form sulfur trioxide gas
• 2SO2 + O2 2SO3
4
Q
Stage 3 of the contact process
A
The sulfur trioxide is dissolved in sulfuric acid to form liquid oleum
• SO3 + H2SO4 ——» H2S2O7
5
Q
Stage 4 of the contact process
A
Oleum is diluted with water to form concentrated sulfuric acid
• H2S2O7 + H2O ——» 2H2SO4
6
Q
What are the uses of sulfuric acid
A
- fertilisers = phosphate fertilisers
- detergents = for cleaning
- paints = titanium dioxide
7
Q
Conditions for the contact process
A
- 2 atmospheres
- 450°C
- catalyst = vanadium(V) oxide, V2O5
8
Q
How do you get a high yield on the contact process
A
Using a catalyst with a high temperature and a low pressure
