The catalyst used for converting methane to methanol in presence of air at 100 atm and 523 K is

Options

A. `Mo_2O_3`
B. Ni
C. Cu
D. Zn

Answer

To solve the question regarding the catalyst used for converting methane (CH₄) to methanol (CH₃OH) in the presence of air at 100 atm and 523 K, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Reaction
The reaction involves methane (CH₄) reacting with oxygen (O₂) from the air to form methanol (CH₃OH).

### Step 2: Write the Balanced Chemical Equation
To write the balanced equation, we need to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. The unbalanced reaction can be written as:
\[ \text{CH}_4 + \text{O}_2 \rightarrow \text{CH}_3\text{OH} \]

To balance it:
1. We have 1 carbon atom on both sides.
2. We have 4 hydrogen atoms on the left (from CH₄) and 3 on the right (from CH₃OH), so we need to add another hydrogen source.
3. We need to balance the oxygen atoms as well.

The balanced equation is:
\[ 2 \text{CH}_4 + \text{O}_2 \rightarrow 2 \text{CH}_3\text{OH} \]

### Step 3: Identify the Catalyst
In this reaction, we need to identify the catalyst that facilitates the conversion of methane to methanol. The options provided are:
1. Mo₂O₃
2. Nickel
3. Copper
4. Zinc

### Step 4: Determine the Correct Catalyst
From chemical knowledge, it is known that copper (Cu) is commonly used as a catalyst in the conversion of methane to methanol, especially under the specified conditions of high pressure (100 atm) and temperature (523 K).

### Conclusion
Thus, the catalyst used for converting methane to methanol in the presence of air at 100 atm and 523 K is **Copper (Cu)**.

### Final Answer
**Copper (Cu)** is the correct catalyst.

---