The chemical industry relies heavily on inorganic compounds as catalysts. (6) Describe with specific examples the industrial applications of TWO of the following catalysts: Vanadium(V) oxide for the oxidation of sulfur dioxide (ii) Titanium(III) chloride for the polymerization of alkenes (iii) Iron catalysts in the Haber process

Here are the descriptions for two of the catalysts:

i) Vanadium(V) oxide for the oxidation of sulfur dioxide
Vanadium(V) oxide (V₂O₅) is used as a catalyst in the Contact process for the industrial production of sulfuric acid. It catalyzes the reversible oxidation of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) to sulfur trioxide (SO₃) using atmospheric oxygen. This step is crucial because SO₃ is then converted into sulfuric acid. The catalyst allows the reaction to proceed at a faster rate and at a lower temperature (around 450 °C) than it would without a catalyst, making the process economically feasible.

2SO₂(g) + O₂(g) ⇌ 2SO₃(g)

iii) Iron catalysts in the Haber process
Iron is used as a catalyst in the Haber process for the industrial synthesis of ammonia (NH₃). The catalyst facilitates the reaction between nitrogen gas (N₂) and hydrogen gas (H₂) to form ammonia. The iron catalyst, often promoted with substances like potassium oxide (K₂O) and aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), increases the rate at which equilibrium is reached, allowing for the efficient production of ammonia at high temperatures (around 400-450 °C) and high pressures (around 150-250 atm). Ammonia is a vital compound used in fertilizers and other chemicals.

N₂(g) + 3H₂(g) ⇌ 2NH₃(g)