Question

is used as a drying agent during the production of ammonia.

• A. Sulphuric acid
• B. Calcium oxide
• C. Calcium chloride

Answer 1

The correct option is B Calcium oxide

$\bullet$ Ammonia is prepared by heating a mixture of calcium hydroxide and ammonium chloride. The reaction involved is as follows:

$Ca{\left(OH\right)}_2\left(s\right)+2N{H}_{4}Cl\left(s\right)\to CaC{l}_2\left(s\right)+2H_{2}O\left(l\right)+2N{H}_3\left(g\right)$

$\bullet$ Quicklime or calcium oxide $CaO$ is used to absorbs the water produced in the reaction. Since quicklime $CaO$ and ammonia ($N{H}_3$) both are basic compounds thus, they cannot react with each other. Hence, it is used as a drying agent.

$\bullet$ However, concentrated sulphuric acid and calcium chloride reacts with ammonia hence, are not used as a drying agent.