Select the best reducing agent or method — carbon; none needed (occur native); a more active metal; electrolysis — for the industrial preparation for each of the following elements: (a) Pt, (b) Na, (c) Os, (d) Co, (e) Li, (f) Zr?

Question

Answer

Industrial Preparation of Elements using Reducing Agents or Methods

In industrial processes, various reducing agents or methods are employed to prepare different elements. The choice of reducing agent or method depends on the reactivity of the element and the desired conditions for the reaction. Let's explore the best reducing agent or method for the industrial preparation of each of the following elements:

(a) Platinum (Pt)

- Best Reducing Agent or Method: Carbon
- Explanation: Platinum occurs natively in the Earth's crust and is found in the form of platinum nuggets or grains. Therefore, no reducing agent is needed for its industrial preparation.

(b) Sodium (Na)

- Best Reducing Agent or Method: None needed (occur native)
- Explanation: Sodium is a highly reactive metal that occurs natively in nature. It is found in various minerals such as halite (NaCl), soda ash (Na2CO3), and cryolite (Na3AlF6). Therefore, no reducing agent is required for the industrial preparation of sodium.

(c) Osmium (Os)

- Best Reducing Agent or Method: A more active metal
- Explanation: Osmium is a transition metal that is not found in its pure form in nature. It is commonly obtained as a byproduct from the processing of platinum ores. To isolate osmium, a more active metal such as zinc or magnesium is used as a reducing agent. The reducing agent reacts with osmium compounds, such as osmium tetroxide (OsO4), to form osmium metal.

(d) Cobalt (Co)

- Best Reducing Agent or Method: A more active metal
- Explanation: Cobalt is a transition metal that is primarily obtained as a byproduct of nickel and copper mining. It is usually found in the form of cobalt sulfide or arsenide minerals. To extract cobalt, a more active metal like magnesium or aluminum is used as a reducing agent. The reducing agent reacts with cobalt compounds to form cobalt metal.

(e) Lithium (Li)

- Best Reducing Agent or Method: Electrolysis
- Explanation: Lithium is a highly reactive metal that is not found in its pure form in nature. It is commonly obtained from lithium-containing minerals such as spodumene (LiAl(SiO3)2) or lithium chloride (LiCl). The industrial preparation of lithium involves the use of electrolysis. Lithium salts are dissolved in a solvent, and an electric current is passed through the solution. The lithium ions are reduced at the cathode, forming pure lithium metal.

(f) Zirconium (Zr)

- Best Reducing Agent or Method: A more active metal
- Explanation: Zirconium is a transition metal that is commonly found in the form of zirconium silicate (ZrSiO4) or zirconium dioxide (ZrO2). To obtain zirconium metal, a more active metal such as magnesium or sodium is used as a reducing agent. The reducing agent reacts with zirconium compounds, such as zirconium chloride (ZrCl4), to form zirconium metal.

In summary, the choice of reducing agent or method for the industrial preparation of elements depends on their reactivity and availability in nature. Some elements occur natively and do

Answer

Industrial Preparation of Elements

In industrial processes, various reducing agents or methods are used to prepare different elements. The choice of reducing agent or method depends on the reactivity of the element being prepared. Let's discuss the best reducing agent or method for the industrial preparation of each of the following elements:

(a) Platinum (Pt):
- Carbon: Carbon can be used as a reducing agent to prepare platinum from its ore, platinum sulfide (PtS2). The reaction can be represented as follows:
PtS2 + 2C → Pt + 2CS₂

(b) Sodium (Na):
- None needed (occur native): Sodium is a highly reactive metal and occurs naturally in its elemental form. Therefore, no reducing agent or method is required for its industrial preparation.

(c) Osmium (Os):
- A more active metal: Osmium is a less reactive metal and can be prepared by using a more active metal, such as aluminum or magnesium, as a reducing agent. The reaction can be represented as follows:
OsO₄ + 4Al → 4AlO + Os

(d) Cobalt (Co):
- Carbon: Carbon can be used as a reducing agent to prepare cobalt from its ore, cobalt oxide (Co₃O₄). The reaction can be represented as follows:
Co₃O₄ + 4C → 3Co + 4CO

(e) Lithium (Li):
- Electrolysis: Lithium is a highly reactive metal and cannot be prepared by using a reducing agent. Instead, it is prepared by the electrolysis of lithium chloride (LiCl) or lithium hydroxide (LiOH) in the presence of a suitable solvent. The reaction can be represented as follows:
2LiCl (or LiOH) → 2Li + Cl₂ (or H₂O)

(f) Zirconium (Zr):
- A more active metal: Zirconium is a less reactive metal and can be prepared by using a more active metal, such as magnesium, as a reducing agent. The reaction can be represented as follows:
ZrO₂ + 2Mg → 2MgO + Zr

Summary:
- Carbon can be used as a reducing agent for the industrial preparation of platinum and cobalt.
- Sodium occurs naturally in its elemental form, so no reducing agent or method is needed.
- Osmium can be prepared by using a more active metal, such as aluminum or magnesium, as a reducing agent.
- Lithium is prepared by electrolysis of lithium chloride or lithium hydroxide.
- Zirconium can be prepared by using a more active metal, such as magnesium, as a reducing agent.

It is important to choose the appropriate reducing agent or method for the industrial preparation of each element based on their reactivity and availability.

Top Courses for Chemistry

Suggested Free Tests

Related Content

Schools

Competitive Examinations

Quick Access Links

Technical Exams