Chapter 3.8, Problem 3.5CC

Solid ReO₃ is a material that is an extremely good conductor of electricity. It can be formed by the chemical reaction Re(s) + 3Re₂O₂(s) → 7ReO₃(s). If 3 mol of Re and 3 mol of Re₂O₇ are placed in a reaction vessel and the reaction proceeds, 7 mol of ReO₃ are produced. Which of the following statements is the best reason that 7 mol of ReO₃ are produced during the chemical reaction?

1. a According to the balanced chemical equation, 7 mol of ReO₃ will always be formed regardless of the starling amounts of the reactants.
2. b Re is the limiting reactant.
3. c Re₂O₇ is the limiting reactant.
4. d Re₂O₇ is the excess reactant.
5. e The 3 mol of Re completely reacts producing 7 mol of ReO₃.