Chemistry question

Suggest why the reaction:
N2(g) + 2O2(g) --> 2NO2(g)
is not a very useful method of making NO2.

I'm assuming that the reaction is either very slow or produces a very low yield but not sure which?

Reply 1

coldfusion

Widowmaker

Suggest why the reaction:
N2(g) + 2O2(g) --> 2NO2(g)
is not a very useful method of making NO2.

I'm assuming that the reaction is either very slow or produces a very low yield but not sure which?

I'm guessing that the activation energy is too high since N2 has a triple bond and O2 has a double bond

Reply 2

dexterity

I seem to have forgotten all my A level chem.

Reply 3

coldfusion

dexterity

I seem to have forgotten all my A level chem.

that's not good. Good thing chem is just a requirement for med not what its all about :biggrin:

Reply 4

Sugar_Puff_Fairy

coldfusion

I'm guessing that the activation energy is too high since N2 has a triple bond and O2 has a double bond

Yep I agree

Reply 5

Hawk

coldfusion

I'm guessing that the activation energy is too high since N2 has a triple bond and O2 has a double bond

and if you have a high temperature the NO2 produced will decompose ,

2NO2(g) -----> 2NO(g) + O2(g)

You could also mention diffuclty in seperating products from reactants as they are all gaseous, and a high pressure will be required to shift equilibrium to the right.

Reply 6

dinesh

High activation energy due to the high bond enthaply of the N-Triplebond-N (994kj/mol).
That's basically why it's not very useful,too much energy is needed.
Also, the cost of equipment for the very high pressures that may be needed to shift the equilibrium to the right.