Question

In Haber's process of Ammonia production the element used as a catalytic promoter to increase the activity of Iron catalyst is ___________
(a)- Ni (nickel)
(b)- W (tungsten)
(c)- V (vanadium)
(d)- Mo (molybdenum)

Answer 1

Hint: Haber’s process is the commercial process which is used for the production of ammonia. This principle works on Le Chatlier’s principle. The promoter used in this process belongs to group 6 of the d-block and fifth period.


Complete step by step answer:
Haber’s process is the commercial process which is used for the production of ammonia.
The reaction involved in this process is given below:
${{N}_{2}}(g)+3{{H}_{2}}(g)\rightleftharpoons 2N{{H}_{3}}(g);\text{ }{{\Delta }_{f}}{{H}^{\circ }}=-92.4\text{ kJ mo}{{\text{l}}^{-1}}$
Some properties and requirements of this reaction are exothermic, reversible, low temperature, high pressure, and catalyst with the promoter.
This process occurs in Le Chatlier’s principle. The favorable conditions for the manufacture of ammonia are:
Low temperature: Since this reaction is exothermic, low temperatures will favor the formation of ammonia. However, at low temperatures, the rate of the reaction will be slow. The optimum temperature found for the reaction to occur is 700 K.
High pressure: As the forward reaction occurs with a decrease with volume, high pressure will favor the formation of ammonia. The reaction is usually carried out at a pressure of about $200\text{ x 1}{{\text{0}}^{5}}Pa$or 200 atmospheres.
Catalyst: At 700 K the rate of reaction is fairly low. It is increased by using iron oxide as a catalyst with a small amount of ${{K}_{2}}O$or $A{{l}_{2}}{{O}_{3}}$. Sometimes molybdenum is used as a promoter (which increases the efficiency of the catalyst).

So, the correct answer is an option (d)- Mo (molybdenum).


Note: Ammonia gas is colorless and has a pungent smell called the ammoniacal smell, it causes tears in the eyes. It has very solubility in water and is lighter than air.