JEE Advanced levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 3 of 3df050
In the Wacker process PdClX2 and CuClX2 catalyse the oxidation of ethene by OX2 in water. The steps are CX2HX4+PdClX2+HX2OCHX3CHO+Pd+2HCl, Pd+2CuClX2PdClX2+2CuCl and 2CuCl+21OX2+2HCl2CuClX2+HX2O. For 5.6L of ethene at STP converted completely (C = 12, H = 1, O = 16), which option is correct?
A5.5g of CHX3CHO; OX2 oxidises Pd(0) directly and Cu is not needed
B11.0g of CHX3CHO; Pd stays in the +2 state throughout and Cu is the only species that changes
C11.0g of CHX3CHO; Pd cycles between +2 and 0 and OX2 is the terminal oxidant
D22.0g of CHX3CHO; Pd cycles between +2 and 0 and OX2 is the terminal oxidant
Answer: C
Adding the three steps cancels the catalysts to give CX2HX4+21OX2CHX3CHO. Moles of ethene = 5.6/22.4=0.25, so mass of CHX3CHO = 0.25×44=11.0g. Pd goes from +2 to 0 and back, and Cu(II)/Cu(I) shuttles electrons to OX2, the terminal oxidant.