Syngas is a mixture of — Hydrocarbons Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Syngas Composition **Syngas (synthesis gas) is a mixture of:** ## Correct Answer: B — **CO and H₂** ### Reasoning: 1. **Definition**: Syngas is an industrial gas mixture produced from coal, natural gas, or biomass through controlled oxidation and steam reactions. 2. **Primary Production Routes**: - Water-gas reaction: $C + H_2O \rightarrow CO + H_2$ (at high temperature) - Steam reforming: $CH_4 + H_2O \rightarrow CO + 3H_2$ - Partial oxidation: $2C + O_2 \rightarrow 2CO$ 3. **Main Components**: The essential gases in syngas are: - **Carbon monoxide (CO)** — from carbon oxidation - **Hydrogen (H₂)** — from water dissociation/hydrocarbon reforming - Minor components: $CO_2$, $H_2O$, $N_2$ (typically <5% total) 4. **Applications**: The CO + H₂ mixture is used for: - Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (producing synthetic fuels) - Methanol production - Ammonia synthesis - Reducing agent in metallurgy 5. **Why not other options**: - Pure CO or pure H₂ alone ≠ syngas - O₂ is not a primary component (removed after initial reaction) - N₂ is inert; not part of the reactive syngas mixture **Answer: CO and H₂**