Question

Methanol (methyl alcohol), \(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{OH}\), is a very important industrial chemical. Formerly, methanol was prepared by heating wood to high temperatures in the absence of air. The complex compounds present in wood are degraded by this process into a charcoal residue and a volatile portion that is rich in methanol. Today, methanol is instead synthesized from carbon monoxide and elemental hydrogen. Write the balanced chemical equation for this latter process.

Short answer

The balanced chemical equation for the synthesis of methanol from carbon monoxide and elemental hydrogen is: \(CO + 2H_{2} \rightarrow CH_{3}OH\).

Step-by-step solution

Identify reactants and products

The reactants of this chemical reaction are carbon monoxide (CO) and elemental hydrogen (H2). The product of the reaction is methanol (CH3OH).

Write the unbalanced chemical equation

Now, we write the unbalanced chemical equation by listing reactants and products: CO + H2 → CH3OH

Balance the chemical equation

To balance the equation, we need to ensure that the number of atoms of each element on the left side of the equation is equal to the number of atoms of the same element on the right side. 1. First, balance the carbon (C) atoms. There is only one C atom on each side, so this part is already balanced: CO + H2 → CH3OH 2. Next, balance the hydrogen (H) atoms. On the reactant side, there are two H atoms in the H2 molecule and four H atoms on the product side (within CH3OH). To balance the hydrogen atoms, we need to multiply H2 by two on the left side: CO + 2H2 → CH3OH 3. Lastly, balance the oxygen (O) atoms. There is one O atom on each side, so this part is also balanced: CO + 2H2 → CH3OH The chemical equation is now balanced. The final balanced equation for the synthesis of methanol from carbon monoxide and elemental hydrogen is: CO + 2H2 → CH3OH

Key concepts

Methanol Synthesis

Methanol production, commonly known as methanol synthesis, is a critical aspect of modern industrial chemistry. Unlike its historical method of production by heating wood, methanol today is produced through a chemical reaction involving carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen gas (\(\text{H}_2\). This approach is not only more efficient, but also scalable for large industrial applications.
The synthesis process involves combining carbon monoxide and hydrogen under specific conditions, such as high temperature and pressure, in the presence of a catalyst. This often involves using a mixture of copper, zinc, and aluminum oxide to facilitate the reaction and increase yield.
The balanced chemical equation representing this synthesis is:

• CO + 2\( ext{H}_2\) → \( ext{CH}_3 ext{OH}\)

The process is carefully controlled to ensure maximum efficiency and quality of methanol produced. This method of synthesis has largely replaced older methods, demonstrating the advancements in industrial chemistry and chemical engineering.

Industrial Chemistry

Industrial chemistry plays a vital role in the large-scale production of chemicals, like methanol. It bridges the gap between laboratory chemistry and the mass production required for consumer and industrial use.
One of the primary goals of industrial chemistry is to optimize chemical processes for cost-effectiveness and scalability, while maintaining environmental and safety standards.
In methanol production, industrial chemistry focuses on:

• Enhancing reaction efficiency through the use of catalysts.
• Managing energy consumption and optimizing thermal conditions during synthesis.
• Scaling up lab conditions to industrial-scale operations without compromising on the quality of the product.

Industrial chemistry is essential in transforming theoretical chemical reactions into practical applications, providing essential materials needed in various fields such as energy, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing.

Chemical Reactions

Chemical reactions are fundamental processes that are integral to the production of various chemicals, including methanol. They involve the transformation of reactants into products, following certain principles like conservation of mass and stoichiometry.
This means that the number of each type of atom in the reactants must equal the number in the products, as seen in the balanced methanol synthesis equation:

• CO + 2\( ext{H}_2\) → \( ext{CH}_3 ext{OH}\)

Understanding chemical reactions involves recognizing the types of reactions, such as synthesis, decomposition, and combustion. Methanol synthesis is a classic example of a synthesis reaction, where smaller molecules combine to form a larger, more complex product.
In chemical reactions, factors such as temperature, pressure, and the presence of catalysts significantly influence the reaction rate and yield. Properly balancing chemical equations is crucial, allowing scientists and industry professionals to predict outcomes and adjust conditions to achieve desired results.