Question

Explain why hydrated metal ions such as$\left(H_{2}O\right){\mathbf{Fe}}^{\mathbf{3}\mathbf{+}}$ hydrolyze to give ${\mathit{H}}^{\mathbf{+}}$ , but hydrated anions such as${\left(H_{2}O\right)}_{\mathbf{6}}\mathit{C}{\mathit{I}}^{\mathbf{-}}$ do not hydrolyze to give ${\mathbf{H}}^{\mathbf{+}}$.

Short answer

Since hydrated metal ions are acidic, they will produce $H^{+}$.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of metal ion.

A metal ion in aqueous solution, also known as an aqua ion, is a cation with the chemical formula ${\left[M_n\right]}^{\mathbf{z}\mathbf{+}}$ that is dissolved in water. Various experimental approaches have revealed that the solvation number, n, for ${\mathbf{Li}}^{\mathbf{+}}$ and ${\mathbf{Be}}^{\mathbf{2}\mathbf{+}}$is 4 and for elements in periods 3 and 4 of the periodic table is 6 .

Explanation

When metal ions combine with water, they form Lewis acid, which results in an acidic solution known as hydrated metal ions.

Since hydrated metal ions are acidic, they will produce.

The reaction between ${\left({\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\right)}_6{\mathrm{Fe}}^3$+ and water is expressed below:

${\left({\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\right)}_6{\mathrm{Fe}}^3+{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\to {\left({\left({\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\right)}_5\mathrm{Fe}\left(\mathrm{OH}\right)\right)}^{2+}+{\mathrm{H}}_3\mathrm{O}$