Question

At high pressure and regulated supply of air, methane is heated with catalyst ‘X’ to give methanol and with catalyst ‘Y’ to give methanal. \( X \) and \( Y \) respectively are:

• A. \( Mo_2O_3, Cu \)
• B. \( Cu, Mo_2O_3 \)
• C. \( V_2O_5, KMnO_4 \)
• D. \( KMnO_4, Cr_2O_3 \)

Hint:

In oxidation reactions of methane, copper (\( Cu \)) is used for converting methane to methanol, while molybdenum oxide (\( Mo_2O_3 \)) is used for converting methane to methanal.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Oxidation of Methane 
Methane (\( CH_4 \)) can be oxidized under controlled conditions to form methanol (\( CH_3OH \)) and methanal (\( HCHO \)). The choice of catalyst determines the specific oxidation product. 

Step 2: Identifying the Catalysts 
1. Formation of Methanol (\( CH_3OH \)): 
- Methane is converted to methanol using copper (\( Cu \)) as a catalyst under high pressure. \[ CH_4 + \frac{1}{2} O_2 \xrightarrow{\text{Cu}} CH_3OH \] 2. Formation of Methanal (\( HCHO \)): 
- Methane is converted to methanal using molybdenum oxide (\( Mo_2O_3 \)) as a catalyst. \[ CH_4 + O_2 \xrightarrow{Mo_2O_3} HCHO + H_2O \] Step 3: Evaluating the Given Options 
- Option (1): Incorrect, as it swaps the catalysts.
- Option (2): Correct, as \( Cu \) is used for methanol and \( Mo_2O_3 \) for methanal.
- Option (3): Incorrect, as \( V_2O_5 \) and \( KMnO_4 \) are not the catalysts used in this reaction.
- Option (4): Incorrect, as \( KMnO_4 \) and \( Cr_2O_3 \) are not the correct catalysts.
Thus, the correct answer is 

Option (2).