Question

When a mixture of gases X and Y is compressed to 300 atm pressure and then passed over a catalyst consisting of a mixture of zinc oxide and chromium oxide (heated to a temperature of 300°C), then an organic compound Z having the molecular formula CH₄O is formed. X is a highly poisonous gas which is formed in appreciable amounts when a fuel burns in a limited supply of air; Y is a gas which can be made by the action of a dilute acid on an active metal; and Z is a liquid organic compound which can react with sodium metal to produce hydrogen gas.

1. What are X, Y and Z?
2. Write a balanced chemical equation of the reaction which takes place when X and Y combine to form Z. Indicate the conditions under which the reaction occurs.

Answer 1

1. X is carbon monoxide gas (CO); it is formed when a fuel burns in a limited supply of air. Y is hydrogen gas (H₂); it is formed by the action of dilute acid on an active metal. Z is methanol (CH₃OH); it is a liquid organic compound that can react with sodium metal to produce hydrogen gas.
2. \[\ce{CO_{(g)} + 2H2_{(g)} ->[300 atm, 300^\circ][ZnO + CrO3] CH3OH_{(l)}}\]