2023 Surface ChemistryCatalysis – Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Easy Question 1 of 30 in Surface Chemistry

Which one is an example of heterogenous catalysis?

A Combination between dinitrogen and dihydrogen to form ammonia in the presence of finely divided iron.
B Oxidation of sulphur dioxide into sulphur trioxide in the presence of oxides of nitrogen.
C Hydrolysis of sugar catalysed by $H^+$ ions.
D Decomposition of ozone in presence of nitrogen monoxide.

The answer is A.

Solution

Solid iron catalysing gaseous $N_2+H_2$ is heterogeneous (different phases).

When the reactants and the catalyst are in different phases, the catalysis is known as heterogenous catalysis. 1. $N_2(g)+3H_2(g)\xrightarrow{Fe(s)}2NH_3(g)$ (Heterogenous catalysis) 2. $2SO_2(g)+O_2(g)\xrightarrow{NO(g)}2SO_3(g)$ (Homogenous catalysis) 3. $C_{12}H_{22}O_{11}(aq)+H_2O(l)\xrightarrow{H^+(aq)}C_6H_{12}O_6(aq)+C_6H_{12}O_6(aq)$ (Homogenous catalysis) 4. $O_3(g)+NO(g)\rightarrow NO_2(g)+O_2(g)$ (Homogenous catalysis)

Concept heterogeneous catalysis example

Surface Chemistry in past papers

30 questions from this chapter have appeared across 20 exam years.