1.2.2 Three - way catalytic converterThe oxides of nitrogen are more toxic than carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, to control the toxic content of nitrogen oxides effectively with the carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, three way converters are designed and used in the automobile industries.1) Reduction of nitrogen oxides to nitrogen and oxygen:2NOx → XO2 + N22) Oxidation of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide:2CO + O2 → 2CO23) Oxidation of hydrocarbons to carbon dioxide and water:2CO + 2NO → 2CO2 + N24) Reduction of nitrogen oxides by reactions involving HC and CO:4HC + 10NO → 4CO2 + 2H2O + 5N2 4HC + 5O2 → 4CO2 +2H2O