Introduction / Context:
Natural gas is a versatile feedstock, but competitive exams often test its most economically significant chemical use. The prime route is steam reforming to produce synthesis gas (a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide), followed by ammonia synthesis and downstream fertilisers. This application has transformed agricultural productivity worldwide.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Resource: underutilised natural gas (primarily methane).
- Industry targets: fuels, chemicals, fertilisers.
- We choose the most direct, large-scale conversion with high national importance.
Concept / Approach:
Methane reacts with steam in reformers to yield H2 and CO (and CO2 after shift). Hydrogen feeds the Haber–Bosch process to make ammonia (NH3), the precursor for urea, ammonium nitrate, and other nitrogenous fertilisers. Although gas-to-liquids (synthetic petroleum) is possible via Fischer–Tropsch, it is capital intensive and less common in many economies compared with ammonia/urea production from natural gas. Graphite and carbides are not mainstream direct products from natural gas in fertiliser-centric industrial planning.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Reform methane with steam → produce H2-rich syngas.Synthesize ammonia: N2 + H2 → NH3 under appropriate catalysts and conditions.Convert NH3 to urea or other fertilisers.Therefore, “fertilisers” is the most appropriate answer.
Verification / Alternative check:
Most urea plants specify natural gas as feedstock for both energy and hydrogen supply, validating this selection over niche or capital-heavy alternatives.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Synthetic petroleum: Technically feasible but not the primary or most direct mass use in many contexts.Graphite / carbide / glass wool: Not straightforward mainstream conversions from natural gas at national scale.
Common Pitfalls:
Overvaluing GTL novelty and overlooking the dominant ammonia/urea chain in exam-style questions.
Final Answer:
fertilisers
Discussion & Comments