A catalyst of copper mixed with zinc oxide and alumina is used in industry for this production of methanol. Explain the function of the catalyst.

Copper oxide + Hydrogen → Copper + Water

Copper sulfate + Zinc → Zinc sulfate + copper

Aluminium + Copper chloride → Aluminium chloride + copper

Copper + Oxygen → Copper oxide

Explanation:

Chemical reactions involves chemical combination of compounds or elements as reactants to form other compounds or elements.

In this case, various reactants given will react exhibiting different types of chemical reactions to form products.

First reaction

Aluminium + Copper chloride → Aluminium chloride + Copper

This is a single displacement reaction in which aluminium which is a more reactive element than copper displaces copper from its salt.

Second reaction

Copper oxide + Hydrogen → Copper + water

It is another example of a single replacement reaction. Hydrogen displaces less reactive metals from their oxide to form water and the metal.

Third reaction

Copper sulfate + Zinc → Zinc sulfate + copper

It is another single replacement reaction.

Zinc is more reactive than copper and therefore replaces copper from its salt solution.

Fourth reaction

Copper + Oxygen → Copper oxide

It is a synthesis reaction.

A synthesis reaction is a reaction in which elements or small compounds combine to form single compound.