Catalytic Converters - Reactions?

Question

Can you please help me answer this question -

Catalytic converters are found in car exhausts and are used to convert carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide into non-polluting gases. Write word equations for the TWO main reactions happening in such catalytic converters?

Answer 1

I'll do you one better...I'll include three reactions.

A three-way catalytic converter has three simultaneous tasks:

1) Reduction of nitrogen oxides to nitrogen and oxygen (2NOx → xO2 + N2)

2) Oxidation of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide: (2CO + O2 → 2CO2)

3) Oxidation of unburnt hydrocarbons (HC) to carbon dioxide and water: (2CxHy + (2x+y/2)O2 → 2xCO2 + yH2O)

Hope this helps!!!