The equation for the gas-phase synthesis of methanol is shown below:
CO(g)+2H2(g)⇌CH3OH(g) \text{CO}(\text{g}) + 2\text{H}_2(\text{g}) \rightleftharpoons \text{CH}_3\text{OH}(\text{g}) CO(g)+2H2(g)⇌CH3OH(g)The forward reaction is exothermic.
A chemical manufacturer wishes to produce methanol as economically and rapidly as possible.
Suggest, with explanations, the conditions of temperature, pressure, and the use of a catalyst that the manufacturer should choose to achieve an optimum balance between the rate of reaction, the equilibrium yield of methanol, and the overall cost of the process.
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.
