Question

Methanol, CH₃OH, is produced in the reaction: CO₂ + 2H₂ → CH₃OH. How many moles of methanol can be produced when 4.5 mol of CO reacts with 7.2 mol H₂?

Answer 1

Solution.

First you need to determine which substance is in excess.

$n(CO2) = \frac{4.5}{1} = 4.5 \ mol$

$n(H2) = \frac{7.2}{2} = 3.6 \ mol$

Thus, CO2 is in excess. Therefore

$n(CH3OH) = \frac{n(H2)}{2} = \frac{7.2}{2} = 3.6 \ mol$

Answer:

n(CH3OH) = 3.6 mol