Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
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Question
![**Question:**
Explain how adding aqueous NH₃ to the combined AgCl-Hg₂Cl₂ precipitate brings about the separation of the two metal cations.
**Explanation:**
In this scenario, adding aqueous ammonia (NH₃) to the mixture containing silver chloride (AgCl) and mercury(I) chloride (Hg₂Cl₂) induces a separation of the two metal cations.
**Process:**
1. **Formation of Complex Ions:**
- Silver chloride reacts with aqueous ammonia to form a soluble complex ion, [Ag(NH₃)₂]⁺. This happens because the ammonia ligands replace chloride ions in the coordination sphere of silver.
2. **Insolubility of Mercury(I) Chloride:**
- Mercury(I) chloride does not react with ammonia in the same manner and remains as an insoluble precipitate. Therefore, it does not form a soluble complex.
**Result:**
This differential reaction allows for the separation of silver ions from mercury ions, with silver ions entering the solution and mercury ions remaining as a solid precipitate.](/v2/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.bartleby.com%2Fqna-images%2Fquestion%2F23665253-f364-4491-937a-5215def69222%2F385fcd99-e25f-4f94-8b07-dd975c9f59a1%2Fbqfdxqs_processed.jpeg&w=3840&q=75)
Transcribed Image Text:**Question:**
Explain how adding aqueous NH₃ to the combined AgCl-Hg₂Cl₂ precipitate brings about the separation of the two metal cations.
**Explanation:**
In this scenario, adding aqueous ammonia (NH₃) to the mixture containing silver chloride (AgCl) and mercury(I) chloride (Hg₂Cl₂) induces a separation of the two metal cations.
**Process:**
1. **Formation of Complex Ions:**
- Silver chloride reacts with aqueous ammonia to form a soluble complex ion, [Ag(NH₃)₂]⁺. This happens because the ammonia ligands replace chloride ions in the coordination sphere of silver.
2. **Insolubility of Mercury(I) Chloride:**
- Mercury(I) chloride does not react with ammonia in the same manner and remains as an insoluble precipitate. Therefore, it does not form a soluble complex.
**Result:**
This differential reaction allows for the separation of silver ions from mercury ions, with silver ions entering the solution and mercury ions remaining as a solid precipitate.
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