Syngas is a mixture of — Hydrogen Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Syngas Composition **Step 1: Define Syngas** Syngas (synthesis gas) is an industrial gas mixture produced primarily from coal, natural gas, or biomass gasification. **Step 2: Identify Main Components** The primary constituents of syngas are: - **Carbon monoxide ($CO$)** — typically 30–50% - **Hydrogen ($H_2$)** — typically 20–40% - Small amounts of $CO_2$ and $N_2$ as impurities **Step 3: Why This Composition?** Syngas forms through reactions like: $$C + H_2O \rightarrow CO + H_2 \quad \text{(water-gas reaction)}$$ $$CH_4 + H_2O \rightarrow CO + 3H_2 \quad \text{(steam reforming)}$$ **Step 4: Industrial Significance** The $CO + H_2$ mixture is valuable for: - Producing methanol: $CO + 2H_2 \rightarrow CH_3OH$ - Producing hydrocarbons (Fischer-Tropsch process) - Generating electricity and heat **Conclusion:** Syngas is a mixture of **carbon monoxide and hydrogen** (Option B).