Question

\(\mathrm{CO}\) is absorbed by: (a) \(\mathrm{CCl}_{4}\) (b) Pyrogallol (c) Ammonical solution of cuprous chloride (d) \(\mathrm{CHCl}_{3}\)

Short answer

Carbon monoxide is absorbed by ammonical solution of cuprous chloride (option c).

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Options

First, let's understand the options given for absorbing carbon monoxide (CO):(a) \( \mathrm{CCl}_4 \) - Carbon tetrachloride, a clear, colorless liquid commonly used as a solvent and in fire extinguishers.(b) Pyrogallol - A compound used to absorb oxygen but not CO.(c) Ammonical solution of cuprous chloride - A solution known for its ability to absorb carbon monoxide.(d) \( \mathrm{CHCl}_3 \) - Chloroform, a compound that does not react with or absorb CO.

Identifying the Correct Absorbent

From our understanding of the compounds:- \( \mathrm{CCl}_4 \) and \( \mathrm{CHCl}_3 \) are not suitable for absorbing CO as they are solvents with no specific reactivity for CO.- Pyrogallol is typically used to absorb oxygen, not CO.- The ammonical solution of cuprous chloride is specifically mentioned in literature for its capacity to absorb carbon monoxide due to the formation of a complex.

Concluding the Solution

The most effective and correct choice for the absorption of carbon monoxide (01) is the ammonical solution of cuprous chloride. Other substances listed do not have the affinity to absorb CO effectively.

Key concepts

Carbon Monoxide Absorption

Carbon monoxide absorption is a process by which carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless and odorless gas, is captured and removed from a mixture of gases. This process is essential for various industrial and environmental applications, like air purification and pollution control. To effectively absorb CO, a substance must have specific chemical properties that allow it to react with or bind to CO molecules.
One common method of absorbing CO is using chemical absorbents that react specifically with CO, forming a compound that is different from the original substances. This method is crucial in closed environments, such as submarines or spacecraft, where removing excess CO is vital for safety and well-being. In selecting an absorbent, it is important to consider the chemical reactivity and compatibility with CO to ensure effective absorption.
Commercially, the ammonical solution of cuprous chloride is often used to absorb CO due to its reactivity and effectiveness.

Cuprous Chloride Solution

Cuprous chloride, denoted as CuCl, is a chemical compound widely used in industrial applications. It is particularly known for its unique ability to absorb certain gases, including carbon monoxide (CO). In its solid form, cuprous chloride is a white or grayish crystalline material.
The solution of cuprous chloride becomes highly effective when combined with ammonia, forming an ammonical solution of cuprous chloride. This combination greatly enhances the solution's ability to chemically interact with and absorb CO. This behavior is attributed to the formation of a copper-CO complex, which allows the gas to be captured effectively.
Cuprous chloride is favored for its specific reactivity with CO, offering a reliable method of gas absorption in various settings where CO presence is a concern, primarily due to its toxicity.

Chemical Reactivity

Chemical reactivity refers to the tendency of a substance to engage in chemical reactions with different substances. It is a measure of how a substance interacts with other chemical entities, and it's crucial for processes like carbon monoxide absorption. The chemical reactivity of an absorbent determines its efficiency in capturing specific gases.
Some substances exhibit higher reactivity towards certain gases. For example, the ammonical solution of cuprous chloride shows specific reactivity to carbon monoxide, making it a preferred choice for CO absorption. This reactivity is because of the formation of a stable complex between CO and the cuprous ions in the solution.
Understanding chemical reactivity is fundamental in chemistry to design reactions, synthesize compounds, and select the appropriate absorbents for gas removal. It's also pivotal in ensuring safety and efficiency in industrial processes.

Ammonical Solution of Cuprous Chloride

The ammonical solution of cuprous chloride is a specially prepared chemical solution that incorporates both ammonia and cuprous chloride. This solution is recognized for its highly efficient absorption of carbon monoxide (CO). By combining ammonia with cuprous chloride, the resulting solution exhibits enhanced chemical properties.
In particular, the solution facilitates the formation of a complex between carbon monoxide and copper ions, which is a key aspect of its absorbing capability. This makes it an ideal choice for applications requiring the removal of CO from gas mixtures. The reaction is a result of chemical reactivity, creating bonds that stabilize the CO within the solution.
This characteristic solution finds applications in settings where controlling CO levels is critical, such as chemical industries and gas purification processes. The efficient and reliable nature of this solution makes it a benchmark in CO absorption techniques.