Contact Process SO₂ Oxidation

2SO2 + O2 ⇌ 2SO3

Aperçu

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.

Participants

Rôle Substance Coefficient État
Réactif Oxygen O 1 (g)
Réactif Sulfur Dioxide SO₂ 2 (g)
Produit Sulfur Trioxide SO₃ 2 (g)

Exemple du quotidien

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

Importance industrielle

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

Propriétés

Type
Redox
Réversible
Oui
Énergie
Exothermique
ΔH
-198,0 kJ/mol
Catalyseur
Vanadium(V) oxide (V₂O₅)

Réactions associées

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)).