Industrially water gas is converted into methanol by using catalyst:

Explanation

Industrially, the conversion of water gas (a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen) into methanol is typically achieved using a catalyst known as a methanol synthesis catalyst. The most commonly used catalyst for this process is a mixture of copper (Cu) and zinc oxide (ZnO) promoted with aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), often referred to as a copper-zinc catalyst. This catalyst operates under high-pressure conditions (around 50-100 atmospheres) and moderate temperatures (ranging from 200 to 300 degrees Celsius). The conversion of carbon monoxide and hydrogen to methanol occurs through a series of chemical reactions on the catalyst surface. The overall reaction can be represented by the following equation: CO + 2H₂ → CH₃OH The copper-zinc catalyst facilitates the hydrogenation of carbon monoxide, resulting in the formation of methanol. This process is known as the "methanol synthesis" and is widely used in the production of methanol for various industrial applications. Industrial preparation of methanol takes place by first purifying a mixture of CO and H2 gas (collectively called water gas), then compressing them at 200 atm and then passing them over a heated catalyst at 200℃. The catalyst used in the reaction chamber is a mixture of ZnO and CrO3. Methanol vapours are formed which are condensed to form methanol. Option D is correct. (Source: PCTB book 2, page 214)