Standard enthalpies of formation (kJ mol⁻¹) at 298 K:
CH₃OH(l) −238.7 CO(g) −110.5 CO₂(g) −393.5 CH₄(g) −74.8 H₂O(l) −285.8 H₂(g) 0 O₂(g) 0
Three industrial routes to CH₃OH are under consideration.
Route A: CO(g) + 2 H₂(g) → CH₃OH(l)
Route B: CO₂(g) + 3 H₂(g) → CH₃OH(l) + H₂O(l)
Route C: CH₄(g) + ½ O₂(g) → CH₃OH(l)
Which route is predicted to be the most exothermic under standard conditions?
a) Route B
b) Route C
c) Route A
d) All three routes are equally exothermic