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General Science • ChemistryMedium

Which catalyst is famously used in the Haber-Bosch process for the industrial synthesis of ammonia?

A. Finely divided nickel
B. Iron with molybdenum promoter✓ Correct Answer
C. Platinum-rhodium gauze
D. Vanadium pentoxide

💡 Solution & Explanation

The industrial synthesis of ammonia via the Haber-Bosch process relies fundamentally on a finely divided iron catalyst promoted with substances like potassium oxide and aluminum oxide. Other catalysts such as platinum-rhodium are utilized in the Ostwald process for nitric acid production, whereas vanadium pentoxide is standard for the Contact process of sulfuric acid. Optimizing this iron catalyst alongside high pressures and moderate temperatures revolutionized global agricultural fertilizer production.

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