Question

Identify the catalyst promoter and poison in the following reaction
N2(g)+3H2(g) ------> 2NH3(g)

Answer 1

Promoters-

Those substances which do not themselves acts as catalyst but it increases the activity of catalyst are known as activators or promoters.

Ex. 1 : Iron is used as a catalyst in Haber’s process for the manufacture of NH3. If small amt. of Mo is mixed with Iron then catalytic power of Fe is increase. Hence Mo acts as promoter.
N2 + 3H2 —–> 2NH3

Catalytic Poisons-

Catalytic poisons are substances which decreases or destroy the activitiy of a catalyst .

Ex.

1. Catalytic power of Fe catalyst is almost destroyed in presence of H2S gas . Therefore in the manufacture of NH3 by Haber’s process , activity of Fe catalyst is destroyed by H2S . Therefore it acts as poison for Fe Catalyst