Contact Process SO₂ Oxidation

2SO2 + O2 ⇌ 2SO3

Übersicht

Sulfur dioxide is oxidized to sulfur trioxide over a vanadium pentoxide catalyst in the contact process for sulfuric acid manufacture. Sulfur changes from +4 to +6 oxidation state. The equilibrium is favored by low temperature but requires high temperature for adequate reaction rate, so 400-450 C with V₂O₅ catalyst provides optimal yield.

Teilnehmer

Rolle Substanz Koeffizient Zustand
Reaktant Oxygen O 1 (g)
Reaktant Sulfur Dioxide SO₂ 2 (g)
Produkt Sulfur Trioxide SO₃ 2 (g)

Alltägliches Beispiel

Sulfuric acid produced by this process is the world's most produced chemical, used in everything from fertilizers to batteries to detergents.

Industrielle Bedeutung

The contact process produces over 260 million tonnes of sulfuric acid annually. V₂O₅ catalyst replaced the original, more expensive platinum catalyst.

Eigenschaften

Typ
Redox
Reversibel
Ja
Energie
Exotherm
ΔH
-198,0 kJ/mol
Katalysator
Vanadium(V) oxide (V₂O₅)

Verwandte Reaktionen

Iron(II) to Iron(III) Oxidation by Oxygen Bleaching with Sodium Hypochlorite Copper Reduction of Silver Ion Aqua Regia Dissolving Gold Cerium(IV) Reduction by Iron(II) Chlorine Oxidation of Bromide Copper Oxidation by Nitric Acid Hypochlorite Oxidation of Hydrogen Peroxide Hydrogen Peroxide as Oxidizing Agent (Acidic) Displacement of Hydrogen from Acid by Magnesium

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Contact Process SO₂ Oxidation?
The balanced equation is: 2SO₂ + O₂ ⇌ 2SO₃.
What type of reaction is Contact Process SO₂ Oxidation?
Contact Process SO₂ Oxidation is a redox reaction. It is reversible under certain conditions.
Is Contact Process SO₂ Oxidation exothermic or endothermic?
Contact Process SO₂ Oxidation is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -198.0 kJ/mol.
What conditions are needed for Contact Process SO₂ Oxidation?
This reaction requires a catalyst (Vanadium(V) oxide (V₂O₅)).