Q.How is nitric acid manufactured by Ostwald's process?
You're viewing a preview — the full solution, concept, methods & PYQ mapping are locked.
Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →In Ostwald's process, ammonia is catalytically oxidised to NO, then to NO2, which is absorbed in water to give nitric acid.
Ostwald's process is the industrial manufacture of nitric acid starting from ammonia.
Step 1 — Catalytic oxidation of ammonia:
Ammonia and air are passed over a platinum-rhodium gauze catalyst at about 500 K and 9 bar pressure. Ammonia is oxidised to nitric oxide (this reaction is exothermic).
4NH3(g) + 5O2(g) --(Pt/Rh, ~500K)--> 4NO(g) + 6H2O(g)
Step 2 — Oxidation of nitric oxide:
The nitric oxide is cooled and combines with more oxygen (air) to form nitrogen dioxide.
2NO(g) + O2(g) -> 2NO2(g)
Step 3 — Absorption in water: …
Unlock everything free for 14 days
- Full step-by-step solutions
- Concept-first explanations
- Methods, shortcuts & mistakes
- PYQ mapping + timed mock tests
Full access for 14 days. No credit card required.