What is a plausible mechanism for the Haber process?

Question

Ellie Andrews · Accepted Answer

If by this you mean the Haber Process, which is the reaction that produces ammonia.

#N_2 + 3H_2 <=> 2NH_3#

A possible explanation for this (which I actually just came up with) is:

#N≡N + H-H -> HN=NH#

#HN=NH + H-H -> H_2N-NH_2#

#H_2N-NH_2 + H-H -> NH_3 + NH_3#

where one N single bond e- pair is donated to a hydrogen, and one e- pair from the hydrogens is donated to break the single bond and bond to the other, cationic nitrogen, in each step of the reduction process of nitrogen by transferring electrons to grab both hydrogen in each step.

Nonetheless, this is the recognized method.

Kai Bowman · Answer

undefined The Haber process involves the reaction of nitrogen gas (N2) and hydrogen gas (H2) over an iron catalyst to produce ammonia (NH3). The mechanism begins with the dissociation of nitrogen and hydrogen molecules on the surface of the catalyst, followed by the formation of adsorbed nitrogen and hydrogen atoms. These atoms then react to form NH3 molecules, which desorb from the catalyst surface, making room for more reactants to adsorb and continue the process.