Contact Process SO₂ Oxidation

2SO2 + O2 ⇌ 2SO3

Visão geral

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

Papel Substância Coeficiente Estado
Reagente Oxygen O 1 (g)
Reagente Sulfur Dioxide SO₂ 2 (g)
Produto Sulfur Trioxide SO₃ 2 (g)

Exemplo do cotidiano

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

Importância industrial

O processo de contacto produz anualmente mais de 260 milhões de toneladas de ácido sulfúrico. O catalisador de V₂O₅ substituiu o catalisador original de platina, mais dispendioso.

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)).