Synthesis of Nitric Oxide (Ostwald Process Step 1)

4NH3 + 5O2 → 4NO + 6H2O

Aperçu

Ammonia is catalytically oxidized over a platinum-rhodium gauze at 850 C to form nitric oxide and water. This is the first and critical step of the Ostwald process for nitric acid production. The catalyst operates at about 95% selectivity for NO.

Participants

Rôle Substance Coefficient État
Réactif Ammonia NH₃ 4 (g)
Réactif Oxygen O 5 (g)
Produit Water H₂O 6 (g)

Exemple du quotidien

The nitric acid used in fertilizer production and numerous industrial processes begins with this reaction.

Importance industrielle

The Ostwald process produces virtually all of the world's nitric acid (about 60 million tonnes annually), which is essential for fertilizers, explosives, and chemical synthesis.

Propriétés

Type
Synthesis
Réversible
Non
Énergie
Exothermique
ΔH
-905,2 kJ/mol
Catalyseur
Platinum-rhodium gauze

Réactions associées

Formation of Calcium Hydroxide Formation of Carbon Monoxide Formation of Nitrogen Dioxide Formation of Potassium Chloride Formation of Sodium Bicarbonate Formation of Sodium Peroxide Formation of Silicon Dioxide Formation of Tungsten Carbide Formation of Copper(II) Sulfide Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis (General)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Synthesis of Nitric Oxide (Ostwald Process Step 1)?
The balanced equation is: 4NH₃ + 5O₂ → 4NO + 6H₂O.
What type of reaction is Synthesis of Nitric Oxide (Ostwald Process Step 1)?
Synthesis of Nitric Oxide (Ostwald Process Step 1) is a synthesis reaction.
Is Synthesis of Nitric Oxide (Ostwald Process Step 1) exothermic or endothermic?
Synthesis of Nitric Oxide (Ostwald Process Step 1) is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -905.2 kJ/mol.
What conditions are needed for Synthesis of Nitric Oxide (Ostwald Process Step 1)?
This reaction requires a catalyst (Platinum-rhodium gauze).