Question

Identify the catalyst used in the manufacture of high-density polythene.

• A. MnO\(_2\)
• B. Co-Th alloy
• C. TiCl\(_4\) along with Al(C\(_2\)H\(_5\))\(_3\)
• D. V\(_2\)O\(_5\)

Hint:

Ziegler-Natta catalysts, which are a combination of TiCl\(_4\) and Al(C\(_2\)H\(_5\))\(_3\), are widely used in the polymerization of alkenes like ethylene to produce high-density polythene (HDPE).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the catalysis in polymerization.
The manufacture of high-density polythene (HDPE) requires a catalyst that aids in the polymerization of ethylene. A common catalyst used for this is a combination of TiCl\(_4\) (Titanium tetrachloride) with Al(C\(_2\)H\(_5\))\(_3\) (triethylaluminum), which forms a Ziegler-Natta catalyst system.

Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) MnO\(_2\): This is not the catalyst used in HDPE production. It is used in other types of oxidation reactions.
(B) Co-Th alloy: This is not used for HDPE production. It is used in other catalytic reactions but not in the polymerization of ethylene.
(C) TiCl\(_4\) along with Al(C\(_2\)H\(_5\))\(_3\): Correct — This is the well-known Ziegler-Natta catalyst used in the production of high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
(D) V\(_2\)O\(_5\): Vanadium pentoxide is used in some industrial reactions but is not the catalyst for HDPE production.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct catalyst used in the manufacture of high-density polythene is (C) TiCl\(_4\) along with Al(C\(_2\)H\(_5\))\(_3\).