Explain how adding aqueous NH3 to the Combined AgCl- Hgz Cl2 frecipi tate brings about the Seferation of the two metal Gtions.

Chemistry
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Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
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**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.
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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