Question

Which one of the following is an example of homogeneous catalysis?

• A. Hydrogenation of oil
• B. Manufacture of ammonia by Haber's process
• C. Manufacture of sulphuric acid by the contact process
• D. Hydrolysis of sucrose in presence of diluted hydrochloric acid

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Hydrolysis of sucrose in presence of diluted hydrochloric acid

The explanation for the correct option

(D) Hydrolysis of sucrose in presence of diluted hydrochloric acid

Types of Catalysis

• A catalyst is a material that speeds up a process while remaining chemically unaltered at the end.
• Enzymes are the natural catalysts.
• The two types of catalysts are homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts.
• A homogeneous catalyst is one that is present in the same phase as the reactant and the process is called homogeneous catalysis.
• A heterogeneous catalyst is one that is present in a different phase as that of a reactant and the process is called heterogeneous catalysis.

Hydrolysis of sucrose in presence of diluted hydrochloric acid

• Both sucrose and diluted hydrochloric acid are in the liquid phase during the hydrolysis of sucrose in the presence of diluted hydrochloric acid, indicating that both reactant and catalyst are in the same phase.
• As a result, it is homogenous catalysis.

The explanation for incorrect options

• All other options are examples of heterogeneous catalysis.
• Hence, all other options (A), (B), and (C) are incorrect.

Therefore, the correct option is (D) Hydrolysis of sucrose in presence of diluted hydrochloric acid.