Question

C2H4 +1/2 O2 → C2H4O(Ethylene oxide). This reaction will takes place under presence of catalyst. Find out the %atom economy.

(a) 25%

(b) 50%

(c) 75%

(d) 100%

This question was addressed to me by my school teacher while I was bunking the class.

This question is from Needs of Green Chemistry topic in portion Green Chemistry of Applied Chemistry

Answer 1

The correct option is (d) 100%

The best I can explain: Ethylene reacting with oxygen in the presence of catalyst forms the ethylene oxide. The %atom economy can be calculated by (formula wt of atoms utilized/formula wt of reactants)*100. The formula weight of the reactants is 44 and atoms utilized are also 44. So, the %atom economy is 100%.