Nitric acid can be obtained from ammonia via the formation of which intermediate compounds in Ostwald's process?

Options

A. Nitrogen and nitrous oxide
B. Nitric oxide and nitrogen pentaoxide
C. Nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide
D. Nitrogen and nitric oxide

Answer

To solve the question about the intermediate compounds formed in the Ostwald process for the production of nitric acid from ammonia, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Ostwald Process
The Ostwald process is a method used to produce nitric acid (HNO3) from ammonia (NH3). It involves a series of chemical reactions that convert ammonia into nitric acid through intermediate compounds.

**Hint:** Research the Ostwald process to understand the overall reaction and its significance in industrial chemistry.

### Step 2: Identify the Initial Reaction
In the first step of the Ostwald process, ammonia reacts with oxygen (O2) to produce nitric oxide (NO) and water (H2O). The reaction can be represented as:
\[ 4 NH_3 + 5 O_2 \rightarrow 4 NO + 6 H_2O \]

**Hint:** Look for the reactants and products in the initial reaction to identify the first intermediate.

### Step 3: Identify the First Intermediate
From the reaction above, the first intermediate compound formed is nitric oxide (NO).

**Hint:** Remember that intermediates are compounds that are formed during the reaction but are not the final products.

### Step 4: Further Reactions of the Intermediate
The nitric oxide (NO) produced in the first step is then further oxidized by reacting with more oxygen (O2) to form nitrogen dioxide (NO2):
\[ 2 NO + O_2 \rightarrow 2 NO_2 \]

**Hint:** Consider how the first intermediate can be transformed into another compound through additional reactions.

### Step 5: Identify the Second Intermediate
The second intermediate compound formed in this process is nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

**Hint:** Keep track of the sequence of reactions to determine all intermediates involved.

### Step 6: Final Reaction to Produce Nitric Acid
Finally, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) reacts with water (H2O) to produce nitric acid (HNO3):
\[ 3 NO_2 + H_2O \rightarrow 2 HNO_3 + NO \]

**Hint:** Understand how the intermediates lead to the final product and the role of water in this reaction.

### Conclusion
In summary, the two intermediate compounds formed in the Ostwald process for the production of nitric acid from ammonia are:
1. Nitric oxide (NO)
2. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)

**Final Answer:** The intermediate compounds in the Ostwald process are nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2).