The Ostwald process is used commercially to produce nitric acid, which is, in turn, used in many modern chemical processes. In the first step of the Ostwald process, ammonia is reacted with oxygen gas to produce nitric oxide and water. What is the maximum mass of H 2 O that can be produced by combining 91.0 g of each reactant? 4 NH 3 ( g ) + 5 O 2 ( g ) ⟶ 4 NO ( g ) + 6 H 2 O ( g )

61.3 g of will be produced from the given masses of both reactants.

Explanation:

To calculate the moles, we use the equation:

a) moles of

b) moles of

According to stoichiometry :

5 moles of require 4 moles of

Thus 2.84 moles of   require=  of

Thus is the limiting reagent as it limits the formation of product.

As 5 moles of give =  6 moles of

Thus 2.84 moles of give =  of

Mass of

Thus 61.3 g of will be produced from the given masses of both reactants.