Phosgene (carbonyl chloride), COCl2, is an extremely toxic gas that is used in m
ID: 499188 • Letter: P
Question
Phosgene (carbonyl chloride), COCl2, is an extremely toxic gas that is used in manufacturing certain dyes and plastics. Phosgene can be produced by reacting carbon monoxide and chlorine gas at high temperatures:
CO(g) + Cl2(g) COCl2(g)
Carbon monoxide and chlorine gas are allowed to react in a sealed vessel at 473 degrees C. At equilibrium, the concentrations were measured and the following results obtained:
Gas Partial Pressure (atm)
CO 0.850
Cl2 1.13
COCl2 0.240
What is the equilibrium constant, Kp, of this reaction?
Explanation / Answer
If the pressure are given already in equilibrium, we just need:
Kp = Pproducts / Preactants
Kp = P-COCl2 / (P-CO) ( P-Cl2)
substitute data:
Kp = (0.24) / (0.85*1.13)
Kp = 0.2498698