Demonstrating Heterogeneous Gas-Phase Catalysis with the Gas Reaction Catalyst Tube

Nine gas-phase reactions that can be accomplished with an inexpensive, commercially-available glass-encased, heterogeneous palladium catalyst tube are described. The catalyzed reactions are suitable for demonstrating gas-phase reactions in the classroom or teaching laboratory. The reactions described include air or oxygen oxidations (CH 4 + O 2, CO + O 2, NH 3 + O 2 ), hydrogenation of ethene, thermal decomposition of nitrous oxide, oxidations involving nitrogen dioxide (CH 4 + NO 2, CO + NO 2 ), and two oxidation reactions involving nitrous oxide (N 2 O + NH 3, N 2 O + CO). Several of the reactions demonstrate processes that take place in an automotive catalytic converter. In all cases, the products can be tested by simple chemical methods.