Phosgene (COCl2\text{COCl}_2COCl2) is an important industrial chemical used in the manufacture of polyurethane plastics. It is synthesized via the reversible reaction of carbon monoxide with chlorine gas:
CO(g)+Cl2(g)⇌COCl2(g) \text{CO(g)} + \text{Cl}_2\text{(g)} \rightleftharpoons \text{COCl}_2\text{(g)} CO(g)+Cl2(g)⇌COCl2(g)In a chemical plant, this reaction is typically operated at a pressure of 4.5 bar4.5\text{ bar}4.5 bar to establish a dynamic equilibrium.
Explain the effect on the rate of attainment of equilibrium if the process is carried out at a lower pressure of 1.5 bar1.5\text{ bar}1.5 bar.
Practise Edexcel GCSE Chemistry Reversible reactions and equilibria with exam-style questions for Foundation and Higher tier. 38 questions, matched to the Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0) specification and written in Paper 1 and Paper 2 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.
