Chapter 34: Problem 158
Calomel \(\left(\mathrm{Hg}_{2} \mathrm{Cl}_{2}\right)\) on reaction with ammonium hydroxide gives (a) \(\mathrm{HgO}\) (b) \(\mathrm{Hg}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) (c) \(\mathrm{HgNH}_{2} \mathrm{Cl}\) (d) \(\mathrm{NH}_{2}-\mathrm{Hg}-\mathrm{Hg}-\mathrm{Cl}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
(c) \(\mathrm{HgNH}_{2}\mathrm{Cl}\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Chemical Reaction
When calomel (\(\mathrm{Hg}_{2} \mathrm{Cl}_{2}\)) is treated with ammonium hydroxide (\(\mathrm{NH}_{4}\mathrm{OH}\)), it undergoes a reaction to form a different compound. Our task is to determine the product(s) formed from this reaction.
02
Recall the Reaction Products
Inorganic mercury compounds like calomel, when reacted with ammonia or ammonium compounds, typically form amido-mercury compounds. Specifically, calomel reacts with ammonium hydroxide to form a compound containing the amido-mercury group (\(\mathrm{HgNH}_{2}\)).
03
Determine the Correct Amido Compound
The likely outcome of the reaction between calomel and ammonium hydroxide is the formation of \(\mathrm{HgNH}_{2}\mathrm{Cl}\), which contains one amino group and one chlorine atom bonded to a mercury atom.
04
Confirm the Reaction Product
Given the multiple-choice answers, the compound \(\mathrm{HgNH}_{2}\mathrm{Cl}\) specifically matches option (c). Therefore, the primary product of this reaction is \(\mathrm{HgNH}_{2}\mathrm{Cl}\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Inorganic Mercury Compounds
Inorganic mercury compounds are chemical substances that contain mercury bonded to other elements besides carbon. These compounds have a wide range of uses and are often found in various chemical processes and applications. One common inorganic mercury compound is calomel, also known as mercurous chloride, which has the chemical formula \( \mathrm{Hg}_{2} \mathrm{Cl}_{2} \). This compound is known for its use in medicine and in various industrial processes.
Some attributes of inorganic mercury compounds include:
Some attributes of inorganic mercury compounds include:
- Presence of mercury (Hg) in either the +1 or +2 oxidation state.
- Generally having low solubility in water.
- Potential toxicity, requiring careful handling and usage to prevent mercury exposure.
Ammonium Hydroxide
Ammonium hydroxide, a solution of ammonia in water, is commonly denoted as \( \mathrm{NH}_{4}\mathrm{OH} \). It is a versatile reagent used in various chemical reactions and industrial processes. This chemical is particularly useful due to its alkaline properties, making it an excellent source of hydroxide ions and valuable in many reactions.
Key characteristics of ammonium hydroxide include:
Key characteristics of ammonium hydroxide include:
- It's a weak base that partially dissolves in water to form hydroxide ions (\( \mathrm{OH}^{-} \)).
- Often used in cleaning products, fertilizers, and as a pH regulator in chemical syntheses.
- Capable of reacting with a wide range of other compounds, including metal salts and oxides, which allows it to form various complex products.
Chemical Reaction Products
Examining the reaction products formed in chemical processes is crucial to understanding how different chemicals interact. In the case of the reaction between calomel (\( \mathrm{Hg}_{2} \mathrm{Cl}_{2} \)) and ammonium hydroxide (\( \mathrm{NH}_{4}\mathrm{OH} \)), specific products are generated that highlight typical outcomes for reactions involving ammonia and mercurous compounds.
When these two chemicals react, an amido-mercury compound, \( \mathrm{HgNH}_{2}\mathrm{Cl} \), is formed. This product results from the interaction of ammonia with mercury, leading to the incorporation of an amino group into the resultant compound. Key points about these products include:
When these two chemicals react, an amido-mercury compound, \( \mathrm{HgNH}_{2}\mathrm{Cl} \), is formed. This product results from the interaction of ammonia with mercury, leading to the incorporation of an amino group into the resultant compound. Key points about these products include:
- They usually contain an amido group (\( \mathrm{NH}_{2} \)), which bonds to mercury atoms and replaces other ligands.
- Such transformations often lead to a change in chemical properties, including solubility and reactivity patterns compared to the original mercury compounds.
- Understanding the composition of these products is essential for predicting outcomes in chemical synthesis and recognizing the nature of reaction intermediates.