When a mixture of gases X and Y is compressed to 300 atm pressure and then passed over a catalyst consisting of a mixture of zinc oxide and chromium oxide (heated to a temperature of 300°C), then an organic compound Z having the molecular formula CH4O is formed. X is a highly poisonous gas which is formed in appreciable amounts when a fuel burns in a limited supply of air; Y is a gas which can be made by the action of a dilute acid on an active metal, and Z is a liquid organic compound which can react with sodium metal to produce hydrogen gas.
(a) What are X, Y and Z?
(b) Write a balanced chemical equation of the reaction which takes place when X and Y combine to form Z. Indicate the conditions under which the reaction occurs.
(a) X is carbon monoxide gas (CO); Y is hydrogen gas (H2) ; Z is methanol (or Methyl alcohol) (CH3OH)
(CH4O = CH3OH)
(b) Formation of Z:
CO(g) + 2H2(g) + 300 atm; 300°C + ZnO + CrO3 → CH3OH(l)
The conditions for this reaction to take place are: a pressure of 300 atmospheres (written as 300 atm), a temperature of 300°C, and a catalyst which is a mixture of zinc oxide and chromium oxide (ZnO + CrO3).