MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #5411

During the Contact process, sulfur dioxide is converted to sulfur trioxide using a Vanadium pentoxide catalyst. What is the specific role of the catalyst in the intermediate step?

MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #5411

  1. Question 1

    Q1. During the Contact process, sulfur dioxide is converted to sulfur trioxide using a Vanadium pentoxide catalyst. What is the specific role of the catalyst in the intermediate step?

    • A) V2O5 reacts with oxygen to form V2O7
    • B) V2O5 decomposes into VO2 and O2 gas
    • C) V2O5 is reduced to V2O4 by SO2
    • D) V2O5 forms a complex with SO3 molecules

    Answer: V2O5 is reduced to V2O4 by SO2

    Explanation: V2O5 is reduced to V2O4 by SO2 and then re-oxidized by O2; this redox cycle allows the continuous oxidation of sulfur dioxide.