Production of Inorganic Chemicals

The production of hydrogen and synthesis gas mixtures (CO/H2) from methane and higher hydrocarbons by steam reforming involves numerous reaction steps with different catalysts. The synthesis of ammonia and the oxidation of SO2 to SO3 are long-known equUibrium reactions in which the target product is removed from the product stream and the unchanged starting material is recycled. 

The oxidation of ammonia to nitrous gases is a fast high-temperature reaction for the production of nitric acid (Ostwald process). The Claus process is an important petrochemical process for obtaining sulfur from H2S, which results from the desulfurization of petroleum and natural gas (hydrodesulfurization). One-third of the H2S is combusted to SO2, which reacts with the remaining H2S (see Table 8-1). 

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The problems addressed by inorganic chemistry continue to be challenges well into the twenty-first century. For example, coordination chemistry will continue to provide compounds with unusual properties and uses, and will become an increasingly important component in bioinorganic chemistry. Organometallic chemistry will continue as one of the most active areas of catalysis research, especially in the chemical, energy, pharmaceuticals, and pollution control industries. New methods to meet the needs of the production of inorganic chemicals will involve environmental friendly synthesis (Navratil, 1998). 

TABLE 2.6 Annual Production of Inorganic Chemicals Used in the Fertilizer Industry (Note Break in Years between 1996 and 1993)8... 

An expert system has been developed, using PROLOG, to predict products of inorganic chemical reactions. 

The origins of the first chemical industry in the world, Britain, were largely inorganic. The production of inorganic chemicals such as soda ash, soda, and bleach grew because of the opportunities created by the growing demand for such products by the textile industry, and by the supplies of... 

Suggest a series of reactions by which sulfur dioxide can be removed from stack gas and converted to a commercially valuable product that ranks high in annual production of inorganic chemicals. 

The extraction, iincl sobsecniem processing, ol metallic anti non-metallic minerals are major application areas Tor the decanter. This classiMcation obviously overlaps considerably with the production of inorganic chemicals (covered in Section 3.9.1), and the treatment of calcium carbonate differs little, whether it be intended as a chemical or for other uses,... 

In 1975, the estimated world aimual production of tin chemicals represented the consumption of 12,000—14,000 t of tin metal or 5% of total tin consumption (196). In 1978, ca 20,000 t/yr was consumed worldwide, with equal amounts represented by inorganic tin and organotin compounds (197). It is estabhshed that worldwide production of organotins rose from ca 50 t in 1950 to a possible 30,000—35,000 t in 1980. 

Production of the large quantihes of inorganic chemicals necessary for modern industrial processes can result in air pollutant emissions as undesirable by-products. Table 6-2 lists some of the more common inorganic chemi-... 

As noted earlier, diverse forms of organomercury are released into the environment as a consequence of human activity. Methyl mercury presents a particular case. As a product of the chemical industry, it may be released directly into the environment, or it may be synthesized in the environment from inorganic mercury which, in turn, is released into the environment as a consequence of both natural processes (e.g., weathering of minerals) and human activity (mining, factory effluents, etc.). 

Recovery of inorganic chemicals is crucial to the cost effectiveness of the Kraft process. The black liquor which is obtained from delignification is rich in solubilised lignin and carbohydrate degradation products and, after concentration, is combusted in a recovery furnace. The Carbon dioxide which is produced during combustion converts unused sodium hydroxide into sodium carbonate. In addition, the sodium sulfate is converted, under the reducing atmosphere of the furnace, to sodium sulfide. 

Only a few inorganic raw materials have been mentioned and their importance described briefly. The point of this discussion is to show that although a large number of inorganic chemicals are useful, they are not found in nature in the forms needed. It is the transformation of raw materials into the many other useful compounds that is the subject of this book. As you study this book, keep in mind that the processes shown are relevant to the production of inorganic compounds that are vital to our way of life. 

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