Question

What is the catalyst used for oxidation of $S{O_{2}}$ to $S{O_{3}}$ in the lead chamber process for the manufacture of sulphuric acid?
A.) Nitric oxide
B.) Nitrous oxide
C.) Potassium iodide
D.) Dilute HCl

Answer 1

Lead chamber process is usually used for the production of sulphuric acid. Generally, a homologous catalyst is used in this process.

Complete step by step answer:
- The lead chamber process is usually used to prepare the sulphuric acid and the reaction which undergoes this process is an example of homogenous catalysis.
- Homogenous catalysis is a type of catalysis, in which all the reactants, products, and catalysts are used to be existing in the same phase whether it is liquid, solid, or gas phase.
- The production of sulphuric acid reaction occurs through the oxidation of sulfur dioxide, which means that it will involve the use of oxygen.
- As we know that there is the formation of intermediate products in the homogenous catalysis. The initial reaction would be

$$\begin{aligned} 2NO(g)+O_{2}(g)\rightarrow 2NO_{2}(g) \end{aligned}$$

Now, the sulphur dioxide will react with nitrogen dioxide to form sulphur trioxide.

$$\begin{aligned} 2SO_{2}(g)+2NO_{2}(g)\rightarrow 2SO_{3}(g)+2NO(g) \end{aligned}$$

So, now we know that nitrogen dioxide acts as an intermediate compound and later helps to form sulphur trioxide.

$$\begin{aligned} 2SO_{2}(g)+O_{2}(g)\xrightarrow{NO(g)} 2SO_{3}(g) \end{aligned}$$

Therefore, nitric oxide is used as a catalyst in the lead chamber process for the manufacture of sulphuric acid.
So, the correct answer is “Option A”.

Note: The main principle behind the lead chamber process is that the moist sulphur dioxide in presence of nitric dioxide as an active catalyst, is oxidized to sulphur trioxide with the oxygen present in the air.