A Theoretical Study of the Formation Reactions of Chemical Compounds for Maximum Equilibrium Conversion

Abstract

Several model reaction systems have been analyzed to obtain a general rule for maximum equilibrium yield in a chemical reaction. The problem has been treated from all possible angles. The analysis reveals that the idea of using the reactants in stoichiometric ratio is just not a matter of coincidence for maximum yield in some known reactions, but a general principle for any reaction-type we can think of. Non-stoichiometric situations have naturally entered the analysis and an elaborate calculation-procedure for such systems has also been worked out. Analysis of such systems leads us to some general conclusions about the nature of equilibrium of a chemical reaction carried out under some specified conditions. Firstly I started with a known gaseous reaction, namely the formation of NH₃ from N₂ and H₂. Then gradually I have shifted to symbolic chemical equations of different types without identifying the reactants and products with some known chemical species.