Ostwald process

Definition

The Ostwald process is an industrial method for producing nitric acid by oxidizing ammonia. This process involves a series of catalytic reactions using platinum-rhodium gauze.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Ostwald process is crucial for the large-scale production of nitric acid, which is used in fertilizers and explosives.
2. Ammonia is oxidized to form nitrogen monoxide (NO) in the first step of the Ostwald process.
3. Platinum-rhodium gauze serves as the catalyst in the oxidation of ammonia.
4. The overall reaction can be summarized as: $4 NH_3 + 5 O_2 \rightarrow 4 NO + 6 H_2O$.
5. Nitrogen monoxide further reacts with oxygen to form nitrogen dioxide, which is then absorbed in water to produce nitric acid.

Review Questions

• What catalyst is used in the Ostwald process?
• What is the primary chemical product of the Ostwald process?
• How does nitrogen monoxide (NO) form during this process?

Related terms

Catalyst: A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change.

Ammonia: $NH_3$, a compound composed of nitrogen and hydrogen; it is a key reactant in the Ostwald process.

Nitric Acid: $HNO_3$, a strong acid commonly produced through the Ostwald process and used in fertilizers and explosives.