Question

Which of the following is an example for heterogeneous catalysis reaction?
a.) $2S{O}_{2(g)}+O_{2(g)}+N{O}_{(g)}\to 2S{O}_{3(g)}$
b.) Hydrolysis of aqueous sucrose solution in the presence of an aqueous mineral acid.
c.) $2H_2{O}_{2(l)}+P{t}_{(s)}\to 2H_2{O}_{(l)}+O_{2(g)}$
d.) Hydrolysis of liquid in the presence of aqueous mineral acid.

Answer 1

Hint: The type of reactions in which the catalyst is in a different phase from the reactants and products. This may refer to the physical phase – solid, liquid or gas, but also to immiscible fluids.

Complete step by step answer:
Heterogeneous catalysis refers to the type of catalysis in which the phase of catalyst differs from that of reactants and products. This is in contrast with homogeneous catalysis in which the reactants, products and catalyst exist in the same phase. Phase is distinguished between not only solid, liquid, and gas components, but also immiscible mixtures or anything where an interface is present. Catalysts increase the rate of a reaction without themselves being consumed in the reaction and are thus reusable. Heterogeneous catalysis is very important because it enables faster, large-scale production and the selective product formation. Adsorption process is involved in the heterocyclic catalysis reactions.

Now, in the given question, option (A) is incorrect as all the reactants, products and the catalyst are in gaseous state. It is an example of a homogeneous catalysis reaction.
Option (C) is correct as the reactants and the products are in liquid phase while the catalyst is in solid phase.
Option (B) and (D) are irrelevant to the context.

Hence, the correct answer is (C).

Note: Don’t confuse between heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis reactions. As the name suggests, hetero means different and homo means alike. Zeolite is one of the finest heterogeneous catalysts. It is widely used in the petroleum refining due to its versatility. Natural zeolites are microporous aluminosilicate minerals.