Contact Process SO₂ Oxidation

2SO2 + O2 ⇌ 2SO3

Descripción general

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.

Participantes

Rol Sustancia Coeficiente Estado
Reactivo Oxygen O 1 (g)
Reactivo Sulfur Dioxide SO₂ 2 (g)
Producto Sulfur Trioxide SO₃ 2 (g)

Ejemplo cotidiano

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

Importancia industrial

El proceso de contacto produce más de 260 millones de toneladas de ácido sulfúrico al año. El catalizador de V₂O₅ reemplazó al catalizador original de platino, más costoso.

Propiedades

Tipo
Redox
Reversible
Sí
Energía
Exotérmico
ΔH
-198,0 kJ/mol
Catalizador
Vanadium(V) oxide (V₂O₅)

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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)).