Question

In which form does the catalyst is used in Fischer-Tropsch process?

(a) In pure form

(b) In the form of oxides

(c) In the form of nitrites

(d) In the form of complex compounds

I had been asked this question in a job interview.

This interesting question is from Synthetic Gasoline from Non-Petroleum Sources in division Fuels and Combustion of Engineering Chemistry II

Answer 1

Right option is (b) In the form of oxides

The explanation: The catalyst all of which contain metals of VIII group of the periodic table (Fe, Co and Ni), seem to function mainly through the formation of an intermediate surface oxygen complex. Most of these are transition metal compounds.