P-Block Elements Ques 482
Question: The catalyst used in the manufacture of $ H_2SO_4 $ by contact process is
[UPSEAT 1999]
Options:
A) $ Al_2O_3 $
B) $ Cr_2O_3 $
C) $ V_2O_5 $
D) $ MnO_2 $
Show Answer
Answer:
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The contact process is the current method of producing sulfuric acid in the high concentrations needed for industrial processes. Platinum used to be the catalyst for this reaction. However, as it is susceptible to reacting with arsenic impurities in the sulfur feedstock, vanadium(V) oxide ($V_2O_5$) is now preferred.