Question

Choose the correct word from the bracket and fill in the blanks.

A catalyst used for pyrolysis of ethane is ________.(silica-alumina/ silica alcohol).

Answer 1

1. A catalyst used for pyrolysis of ethane is __silica-alumina__.
2. Pyrolsis: It can be defined as decomposition of compound with the help of heat and in the absence of air is so called pyrolysis.
3. The process is called cracking when it occurs in alkanes.
4. The alkanes when heated in the presence of alumina or silica catalyst, under high temperature will break down into simple alkanes, alkenes, and hydrogen.
5. Example of such reaction is as follows:
   $\underset{\left(\mathrm{Pentane}\right)}{{\mathrm{C}}_5{\mathrm{H}}_{12}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)}\underset{\mathrm{Alumina}\mathrm{or}\mathrm{silica}}{\overset{400-{600}^{\circ }\mathrm{C}}{\to }}\underset{\left(\mathrm{Propane}\right)}{{\mathrm{C}}_3{\mathrm{H}}_8\left(\mathrm{g}\right)}+\underset{\left(\mathrm{Ethene}\right)}{{\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_4\left(\mathrm{g}\right)}$
6. Hence we conclude that, a catalyst used for pyrolysis of ethane is silica-alumina.