Consider the following catalytic step used in an industrial manufacturing process: 2SO₂(g) + O₂(g) V₂O₅ 2SO₃(g) Identify the name of the industrial process to which this step belongs, and the thermodynamic nature of this specific reaction.

Step-by-step solution

The given reaction is the key catalytic step in the Contact process for the manufacture of sulphuric acid. In this step, sulphur dioxide is oxidized to sulphur trioxide in the presence of vanadium(V) oxide ( V₂O₅ ) catalyst. The reaction is highly exothermic ( _r H^ = -196.6 kJ mol ⁻¹ ) and reversible. Therefore, low temperature and high pressure are the favourable conditions for maximum yield, though the temperature must be high enough for the catalyst to be effective. Answer: Contact process, Exothermic