The catalyst used in the contact process is easily poisoned by :

Correct answer: C. Arsenic oxide

  • A. Nitrous oxide
  • B. Carbon oxide
  • C. Arsenic oxide
  • D. Nitrogen oxide

Explanation

In the contact process, the catalyst used is typically a combination of vanadium(V) oxide (V2O5) or platinum (Pt) supported on a substrate such as silica (SiO2). This catalyst is responsible for promoting the oxidation of sulfur dioxide (SO2) to sulfur trioxide (SO3) in the production of sulfuric acid. However, the catalyst used in the contact process is susceptible to poisoning, which refers to the deactivation or reduction in its catalytic activity. One of the substances that can poison the catalyst is arsenic oxide (As2O3). Arsenic oxide can interact with the catalyst's active sites, blocking or inhibiting its ability to facilitate the desired chemical reaction.

This question appeared on the ETEA MDCAT 2008 paper, which you can sit online with every answer explained.

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About Factors Affecting Rate of Reaction

Reaction rate depends on the nature and concentration of reactants, pressure for gases, temperature, surface area and catalysts. Collision theory explains these effects through collision frequency, orientation and activation energy, while questions often distinguish a catalyst's effect on reaction rate from its lack of effect on equilibrium composition.

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