CHEMISTRY GUIDE

This page looks at some aspects of vanadium chemistry required for UK A' level exams. That includes the use of vanadium(V) oxide as a catalyst in the Contact Process, and converting between the various vanadium oxidation states. Vanadium(V) oxide as a catalyst in the Contact Process The overall reaction During the Contact Process for manufacturing sulphuric acid, sulphur dioxide has to be converted into sulphur trioxide. This is done by passing sulphur dioxide and oxygen over a solid vanadium(V) oxide catalyst. Note:   The equation is written with the half in it to make the explanation below tidier. You may well be familiar with the equation written as twice that shown, but the present version is perfectly acceptable. It is also shown as a one-way rather than a reversible reaction to avoid complicating things. How the reaction works This is a good example of the ability of transition metals and t...