Question

The catalyst used in the contact process is ______.

Options

• Copper

• Iron

• Vanadium pentoxide

• Manganese dioxide

Answer 1

The catalyst used in the contact process is vanadium pentoxide.

Explanation:

Vanadium pentoxide is used in the contact process to catalyse the oxidation of sulphur dioxide (SO₂) into sulphur trioxide (SO₃) during the industrial manufacture of sulphuric acid. Modern industry strongly prefers it because it is cost-effective and resistant to impurities that poison other catalysts like platinum.