[Unit 6.3] | Equilibrium Reactions In Industry

Question 1

What are the 3 main reversible reactions in industry?

Answer 1

• Haber Process (Production of Ammonia)

• Hydration of Ethene (Production of Ethanol)

• Production of Methanol

Question 2

What conditions are required in the Haber Process?

Answer 2

• 20,000 kPa pressure (200 atm)
• 670 K
• Iron Catalyst

Question 3

What are the key uses of Ammonia?

Answer 3

• NPK fertilisers
• Nylon
(Explosives, drugs, dyes)

Question 4

What conditions are used in the hydration of ethene?

Answer 4

• 6500 kPa (Compromise: Energy needed would be expensive)
• 570 K (Compromise: Low temperature would make the reaction too slow)
• Silicon coated in phosphoric acid as a catalyst

• This offers about a 5% yield, however the reaction mixture can bw recycled to continue producing more ethanol.

Question 5

What conditions are used to produce methanol?

Answer 5

• 10000 kPa
• 500 K