The production of dihydrogen obtained from coal gasification can be increased by reacting carbon mon — Hydrocarbons Chemistry Question
Question
The production of dihydrogen obtained from coal gasification can be increased by reacting carbon monoxide of syngas mixture with steam in presence of a catalyst iron chromate. What is this process called?
💡 Solution & Explanation
# Water-Gas Shift Reaction **Step 1: Identify the reaction** The reaction between carbon monoxide and steam in the presence of a catalyst is: $$CO + H_2O \xrightarrow[\text{catalyst}]{} CO_2 + H_2$$ **Step 2: Recognize the process name** This reaction is called the **Water-Gas Shift (WGS) reaction** or **Water-Gas Shift Process**. **Step 3: Why this name?** - "Water-gas" refers to the syngas mixture (CO + $H_2$) produced from coal gasification - "Shift" indicates the conversion of CO to $H_2$ by reacting with water **Step 4: Industrial significance** - Iron chromate ($Fe_2O_3·Cr_2O_3$) is the standard catalyst - This process increases $H_2$ yield from coal gasification - Essential for producing high-purity hydrogen for industrial applications **Answer: B = Water-Gas Shift Reaction** (or Water-Gas Shift Process)