Catalytic oxidation of CO in exhaust gases

Steps:

• Exhaust pollutants include CO, NO, and unburnt hydrocarbons from incomplete combustion.
• Catalytic converters use platinum/rhodium to facilitate oxidation (with O2) and reduction reactions.
• Oxidation targets CO and hydrocarbons, converting them to CO2 and H2O using air-supplied oxygen.
• CO specifically undergoes 2CO + O2 → 2CO2 on the catalyst surface.

Why C is correct:

• CO reacts with oxygen via catalytic oxidation: 2CO + O2 → 2CO2, removing it as a pollutant.

Why the others are wrong:

• A. NO undergoes reduction (2NO → N2 + O2), not oxidation with added oxygen.
• B. Unburnt fuel (hydrocarbons) oxidizes with O2, but CO is the direct match for the reaction described.
• D. Not enough information (option unspecified).

Final answer: C