Animated Solution for Chemistry - Surface Chemistry: Match the catalysts Column I with products Column II. $\begin{array}{ll}\text{Column I (Catalyst)}& \text{Column II (Product)}\\ \text{(A) }{V}_2{O}_5& \text{(i) Polyethlyene}\\ \text{(B) }TiC{l}_4/Al(Me{)}_3& \text{(ii) Ethanal}\\ \text{(C) }PbC{l}_2& \text{(iii) }{H}_{2}S{O}_4\\ \text{(D) Iron oxide}& \text{(iv) }N{H}_3\end{array}$

Welcome to a classic matching problem that tests your knowledge of industrial chemistry! In the world of chemical manufacturing, reactions often need a little push to happen at a viable speed. This is where catalysts come in.

They speed up reactions without being consumed, and specific reactions require very specific catalysts. Let's break down each of the catalysts given in the problem and uncover the magic they perform.

Our first catalyst is Vanadium Pentoxide, or $V_2{O}_5$. If you've studied the industrial preparation of acids, this should immediately ring a bell.

$V_2{O}_5$ is the star of the Contact Process, which is used to manufacture sulfuric acid ($H_{2}S{O}_4$).

The crucial, rate-determining step in this process is the oxidation of sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide. The reaction looks like this:

Without $V_2{O}_5$, this oxidation would be far too slow to be industrially useful. Therefore, (A) matches perfectly with (iii).

Next up, we have a rather complex-looking mixture: $TiC{l}_4$ combined with $Al(Me{)}_3$ (or similar aluminum alkyls).

This famous combination is known as the Ziegler-Natta catalyst. It revolutionized the polymer industry.

Before its discovery, making high-density, linear polymers was incredibly difficult. This catalyst allows for the smooth polymerization of ethene into polyethylene at relatively low pressures and temperatures.

Thus, (B) is the perfect match for (i).

The Wacker Process

Now, let's look at (C), which lists $PbC{l}_2$ (Lead chloride). Here is where you need to trust your concepts over the printed text!

There is a known typographical error in this specific exam question. The intended catalyst is actually Palladium chloride ($PdC{l}_2$).

$PdC{l}_2$, often used alongside $CuC{l}_2$, is the primary catalyst in the Wacker Process. This process is used to oxidize ethene directly into ethanal (acetaldehyde).

The reaction is:

Knowing this, we can confidently match (C) with (ii).

Finally, we arrive at Iron oxide. This is perhaps the most famous industrial catalyst taught in high school chemistry.

Finely divided iron, or iron oxide acting as a precursor, is the catalyst for Haber's Process.

This process is responsible for synthesizing ammonia ($N{H}_3$) from atmospheric nitrogen and hydrogen gas. It literally feeds the world by enabling the mass production of fertilizers!

The reversible reaction is:

So, (D) matches with (iv).

Let's summarize our findings:

- (A) $V_2{O}_5$ $\to$ (iii) $H_{2}S{O}_4$ - (B) $TiC{l}_4/Al(Me{)}_3$ $\to$ (i) Polyethylene - (C) $PbC{l}_2$ (intended $PdC{l}_2$) $\to$ (ii) Ethanal - (D) Iron oxide $\to$ (iv) $N{H}_3$

Looking at the given options, this sequence corresponds exactly to option (c).

Always remember, transition metals and their compounds make exceptional catalysts due to their variable oxidation states and their ability to provide a large surface area for reactants to adsorb. Keep exploring the fascinating world of surface chemistry!