Question

The reversible reaction 2H2 CO <------> CH3OH heat is carried out by mixing carbon monoxide and hydrogen gases is a closed vessel under high pressure with a suitable catalyst . After equilibrium is established at high temperature and pressure, all three substances are present. If the pressure on the system is lower, with the temperature kept constant, what will be the result

Answer 1

The amount of CH3OH present in the mixture would decrease

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Le Cha-telier's principle, when a reaction is in equilibrium and one of the constraints that influence the rate of reactions is applied, the equilibrium would shift so as to neutralize the effects of the constraint.

In this case, looking at the equation of the reaction:

2H2 + CO <------> CH3OH + heat

the total number of moles on the reactant's (left hand) side is 3 (2+1) while on the product's (right hand) side, it is 1. If the pressure on the system is increased, more CH3OH (and less of H2 and CO) will be produced because its side has the lower number of moles out of the two sides.

If the pressure on the system is otherwise lowered, more of H2 and CO would be produced while the amount of CH3OH present would gradually decrease.