When a mixture of gas X and Y is compressed to 300 atm pressure and then passed over a catalyst consisting of a mixture of zinc oxide and chromium oxide (heated to a temperature of 300OC), then an organic compound Z having the molecular formula CH4O is formed. X is a highly poisonous gas which is formed in appreciable amounts when a fuel burns in limited supply of air; Y is a gas which can be made by the action of dilute acid on an active metal, and Z is a liquid organic compound which can react with sodium metal to produce hydrogen gas.(a) What are X, Y, and Z.(b)  Write a balanced chemical equation of the reaction which takes place when X and Y combine to form Z. Indicate the conditions in which the reaction occurs.


a) X is carbon monoxide gas (CO)
Y is hydrogen gas( H2 )
Z is methanol (or Methyl alcohol) (CH3OH)

[Note: CH4O=CH3OH= methanol.]

b) Formation of Z;
$CO( g) +2H2( g)\xrightarrow[ZnO,\ CrO_{3}]{300\ atm,\ 300\ C} \ CH3OH( l)$
                                                        Methanol (Methyl alcohol)

The conditions for this reaction to take place are: 
  • the pressure of 300 atmospheres (written as 300 atm),
  • the temperature of 300oC,
  • a catalyst which is a mixture of zinc oxide and chromium oxide (ZnO+CrO3).

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Updated on: 10-Oct-2022

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