Industrial preparation of nitric acid by Ostwald’s process involves:

A. Oxidation of NH₃

B. Reduction of NH₃

C. Hydrogenation of NH₃

D. Hydrolysis of NH₃

To understand the industrial preparation of nitric acid through Ostwald’s process, we need to focus on the correct chemical reaction involved. The answer to your question is A: Oxidation of NH₃ (ammonia).

What is the Ostwald Process?

The Ostwald process is a key method used to produce nitric acid (HNO₃) from ammonia (NH₃). This process is significant in the chemical industry, particularly for the production of fertilizers and explosives. The overall reaction involves several steps, primarily focusing on the oxidation of ammonia.

The Steps Involved

• Step 1: Oxidation of Ammonia - Ammonia gas is oxidized in the presence of oxygen (O₂) to form nitrogen monoxide (NO). This reaction typically occurs at high temperatures (around 800-1000°C) and is facilitated by a catalyst, often platinum or rhodium.
• Step 2: Formation of Nitrogen Dioxide - The nitrogen monoxide produced in the first step reacts with more oxygen to form nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). This reaction is exothermic and occurs at lower temperatures.
• Step 3: Production of Nitric Acid - Finally, nitrogen dioxide is absorbed in water to produce nitric acid. This step can also involve the formation of nitric oxide, which can further react to regenerate nitrogen dioxide.

Why Oxidation?

Oxidation is a chemical process where a substance loses electrons, often resulting in an increase in oxidation state. In the case of ammonia, the nitrogen atom is oxidized from an oxidation state of -3 in NH₃ to +2 in NO. This transformation is crucial because it allows us to convert a relatively simple compound (ammonia) into a more complex and valuable product (nitric acid).

Real-World Applications

Nitric acid produced via the Ostwald process is vital in various industries. It is used in:

• Manufacturing fertilizers, particularly ammonium nitrate.
• Producing explosives like TNT.
• Creating dyes and pharmaceuticals.

Summary of the Process

In summary, the Ostwald process is an efficient way to produce nitric acid through the oxidation of ammonia. This method not only highlights the importance of oxidation reactions in industrial chemistry but also showcases how fundamental chemical principles are applied to create essential compounds used in everyday life.