Question

State the conditions for the oxidation of ammonia to nitrogen monoxide [nitric oxide], in the manufacture of nitric acid by Ostwald's process. Write the balanced equation for the reaction.

Answer 1

The conditions for the oxidation of ammonia to nitrogen monoxide is:

• Ammonia to air in the ratio 1:10
• A temperature of about 800^oC
• Platinum or platinum rhodium is used as a catalyst.

The balanced equation is:
$4{\mathrm{NH}}_3+5{\mathrm{O}}_2\underset{{800}^{°}\mathrm{C}}{\overset{\mathrm{Pt}}{\to }}4\mathrm{NO}+6{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}+\mathrm{Heat}$