Consider the following specific catalytic processes: (1) Hydrolysis of sucrose using dilute . (2) Ox — Surface Chemistry Chemistry Question
Question
Consider the following specific catalytic processes: (1) Hydrolysis of sucrose using dilute $H_2SO_4$. (2) Oxidation of $SO_2$ to $SO_3$ using solid $V_2O_5$. (3) Hydrogenation of vegetable oils using finely divided $Ni$. (4) Cracking of heavy hydrocarbons using Zeolite ZSM-5. (5) Oxidation of $HCl$ to $Cl_2$ using solid $CuCl_2$ (Deacon's process). Exactly how many of these specific processes are strictly classified as heterogeneous catalysis?
💡 Solution & Explanation
Heterogeneous catalysis requires the catalyst and reactants to be in strictly different phases. Process 1 is homogeneous (all aqueous/liquid). Process 2 ($V_2O_5$ solid, gases), Process 3 ($Ni$ solid, liquid oil/gas $H_2$), Process 4 (ZSM-5 solid, liquid/gas hydrocarbons), and Process 5 ($CuCl_2$ solid, $HCl/O_2$ gases) are all clearly heterogeneous. Thus, exactly 4 processes fit the definition.