Question

For each set of reactions below; What are the reactants? What are the products? What is an application of this reaction/set of reactions?

Combustion

Fermentation

Saponification

Maillard reactions

Haber-Bosch Process

Answer 1

combustion can be defined as a chemical combination of a substance with oxygen, involving the production of heat and/or light. The reactants are usually carbon family. metals etc.

eg. M + O₂ ---> MO₂

it is used in power production, heating etc.

Fermentation is the chemical breakdown of a substance by bacteria, yeasts, or other microorganisms, typically involving effervescence and the giving off of heat. It is a metabolic process in microorganisms in the absence of oxygen that consumes sugar. The products are organic acids, gases, or alcohol.

C₆H₁₂O₆ → CH₃CHOHCOOH + C₂H₅OH + CO₂

It is mainly used to prepare alcoholic beverages.

Saponification is the process of reacting triglyceride with a strong base like NaOH or KOH, which cleaves the ester bond, releasing fatty acid salts (soaps) and glycerol.

The main application is in the manufacture of soap and also in wet chemical fire extinguishers.

Maillard reactions occur between amino acids and reducing sugars and is responsible for the distinct flavour of browned food. The carbonyl group of the sugar which is highly reactive reacts with the nucleophilic amino group of the amino acid and forms a mixture of molecules responsible for a range of aromas and flavours. This process is accelerated in an alkaline environment.

The main applications are n the food industry and for research into different food flavourings and aromas.

Haber-Bosch Process is the main process employed nowadays to produce ammonia. The process converts atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) to ammonia (NH₃) by a reaction with hydrogen (H₂) using a metal catalyst under high temperatures and pressures:

N₂ + H₂ ----> NH₃

It is mainly used to produce fertilizers, lab reagents, and also in explosives.