ANS:A - H₂

Hydrogen (H2) is an essential component of synthesis gas (syngas) and plays a crucial role in various industrial processes, particularly in the production of ammonia, methanol, and hydrocarbon fuels. Here are some key points explaining the importance of hydrogen in syngas:

1. Hydrogen Production: Hydrogen is often produced alongside carbon monoxide (CO) during processes such as steam reforming, partial oxidation, or biomass gasification. These processes generate syngas, which typically contains a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide as the primary components.
2. Ammonia Production: Hydrogen is a key raw material in the production of ammonia (NH3) via the Haber-Bosch process. In this process, nitrogen (N2) from the air is reacted with hydrogen derived from syngas to produce ammonia. The availability of hydrogen is crucial for achieving high yields of ammonia in this process, making it an essential component of syngas.
3. Methanol Production: Hydrogen is also utilized in the production of methanol (CH3OH) through processes such as steam reforming or gasification of hydrocarbons. Methanol synthesis typically involves the reaction of carbon monoxide and hydrogen over a catalyst to produce methanol. Hydrogen acts as a reactant in this process, contributing to the production of methanol.
4. Hydrocarbon Fuels: Hydrogen can be further processed and combined with carbon-containing compounds to produce hydrocarbon fuels such as synthetic natural gas (SNG), gasoline, or diesel. These fuels can be produced via processes such as Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, where hydrogen is a critical component for hydrocarbon synthesis.
5. Hydrogenation Reactions: Hydrogenation reactions, where hydrogen is added to unsaturated compounds, are essential in various chemical processes, including the hydrogenation of oils and fats in food processing, the production of specialty chemicals, and the refining of petroleum products.

Overall, hydrogen plays a multifaceted role in syngas-based processes, serving as a valuable raw material for the production of ammonia, methanol, hydrocarbon fuels, and various other chemicals. Its versatility and importance make hydrogen a vital component of syngas and an integral part of many industrial processes.