operating conditions 250-300 celcius and 50-100 atmospheres are consistent with the aims of achieving a high equilibrium yield of methanol and a high rate of production. noting any conflicts, explain the role of a copper catalyst noting how its presence helps with the conflict
You need to read about Le Chatelier's Principle and how that applies to this reaction. A catalyst lowers the activiation energy of a reaction which increases the rate of reaction at a lower temperature.
thanks Dr Bob222
You're welcome! I'm glad I could help. Now, let me explain in more detail how the operating conditions mentioned (250-300 degrees Celsius and 50-100 atmospheres) are consistent with the goals of achieving a high equilibrium yield of methanol and a high rate of production, and how the presence of a copper catalyst helps with any conflicts.
Firstly, let's consider the equilibrium yield of methanol. The production of methanol typically involves the reaction of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) over a catalyst. This reaction is represented by the equation:
CO + 2H2 ⇌ CH3OH
According to Le Chatelier's Principle, increasing the pressure and decreasing the temperature favor the forward reaction (i.e., the production of methanol). Thus, operating at higher pressures and lower temperatures, such as 50-100 atmospheres and 250-300 degrees Celsius, will shift the equilibrium in favor of the desired product (methanol).
Now, let's talk about the rate of production. The rate of a chemical reaction is influenced by the activation energy required for the reactants to form products. A catalyst helps lower this activation energy, allowing the reaction to proceed at a faster rate. In this case, copper (Cu) serves as a catalyst for the synthesis of methanol.
Copper has high activity and selectivity towards this reaction because it can adsorb and activate both carbon monoxide and hydrogen molecules. By adsorbing these reactants onto its surface, copper facilitates the formation of intermediates and lowers the activation energy required for methanol synthesis. As a result, the presence of a copper catalyst can significantly enhance the rate of reaction, allowing for a higher production rate of methanol.
To summarize, operating at high temperatures and pressures favors a higher equilibrium yield of methanol, while the presence of a copper catalyst helps by lowering the activation energy and increasing the rate of production. By understanding and applying concepts like Le Chatelier's Principle and the role of catalysts, engineers and scientists can optimize the conditions and design efficient processes for methanol production.