Which among the following chemicals is used as catalytic promoter in Haber’s process ?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Mo
A promoter is a substance that increases the activity of a catalyst, although it is not a catalyst for the reaction by itself. In Haber’s process for ammonia, finely divided iron is the catalyst and molybdenum acts as the promoter.
So the catalytic promoter is Mo.
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (3) Fe — Incorrect. Iron is the catalyst in Haber’s process; the promoter is the substance that increases its activity.
NCERT (Pre-rationalised edition, 2022-23):
Promoters and Poisons
