anyone expert in Thermodynamics... please help me to suggest this question...?

Question

Question:
The feasibility of producing ethanol from ethylene and water in gaseous phase rxn is to be studied. You are required to give your comment on thermo of the process,
C2H4 + H2O = C2H5OH
It is believed that to get the min rate of rxn, the rxn has to be carried out at 260 degree C. However we would like to limit the max temperature to 538 degree C.

An expert suggested that the rxn has to be caried out at high Pressure. A pressure of 10 atm is considered sufficient. A conversion of 10% would result in the ethanol to be easily separated from the rxn mixture, and allow for a pilot plant study.

In view of limiting condition, as described in above, can the max conversion exceed 10%?

Discuss with suitable calculation how the conversion may be increased to be more than 10%??

Answer 1

Were you given the change in Internal Energy or the Enthalpy Change for this Reaction?

You must use LeChatelier's Principle:
That the system will move in such a direction as to oppose change. (Also known as Lenze's Law)

Left to Right: you have two molecules changing into one
The volume decreases so is promoted by higher pressure.
For a negative Enthalpy Change (heat energy evolved) you benefit from lower temperatures.


You might get more marks by referring to the forward and reverse Rates of Reaction Coefficients (k) so look them up.

Ask this Question on the (Physical) Chemistry Site.
Good Luck:RC