Question

What is the role that calcium oxide in the preparation of ammonia gas?

• A. It is used as a reactant in the production of ammonia
• B. It is used as a catalyst in the production of ammonia
• C. It is used as a drying agent in the production of ammonia
• D. It is used as a reactant and drying agent in the production of ammonia

Answer 1

The correct option is D

It is used as a reactant and drying agent in the production of ammonia

The reaction to produce ammonia using ammonium chloride and calcium oxide is given below.

$N{H}_{4}Cl+CaO\to CaC{l}_2+N{H}_3+H_{2}O$

Water is also produced in the reaction and is present in the form of moisture which needs to be separated from the ammonia gas. Calcium oxide or quicklime not only helps in the production of ammonia gas but also acts as a drying agent by absorbing all the moisture that is released in this reaction.

Hence calcium oxide is both a reactant and a drying agent in the production of ammonia gas.