In context with the industrial preparation of hydrogen from water gas (CO + H2), which of the following is the correct statement?
(a) CO and H2, are fractionally separated using differences in their densities
(b) CO is removed by absorption in aqueous Cu2Cl2 solution
(c) H2 is removed through occlusion with Pd
(d) CO is oxidised to CO2 with steam in the presence of a catalyst followed by absorption of CO2 in alkali
Correct answer: (a) CO and H2, are fractionally separated using differences in their densities
Explanation:
On the industrial scale hydrogen is prepared from water gas according to following reaction sequence
CO + H2 + H2O \(\overset{catalyst}{\longrightarrow}\) CO2 + 2H2 \(\overset{2NaOH}{\underset{(alkali)}{\longrightarrow}}\) Na2CO3 + H2O
From the above it is clear that CO is first oxidised to CO2 which is then absorbed in NaOH.