In context with the industrial preparation of hydrogen from water gas (CO+H2), which of the following is the correct statement?
(A)CO and H2 are fractionally separated using differences in their densities
(B)CO is removed by absorption in aqueous Cu2Cl2 solution
(C)H2 is removed through occlusion with Pd
(D)CO is oxidised to CO2 with steam in the presence of a catalyst followed by absorption of CO2 in alkali✓ Correct
Answer: (D)
Solution
Pure hydrogen is won from water gas by the water-gas shift: the carbon monoxide is made to react with steam over a catalyst, oxidising it to carbon dioxide while liberating more hydrogen. The carbon dioxide is then washed out by absorption in alkali, leaving hydrogen behind. So the correct description is that carbon monoxide is oxidised to carbon dioxide with steam in the presence of a catalyst, followed by absorption of the carbon dioxide in alkali.
JEE Main · 2008 · 27 Apr 2008 · Offline · Single correct option