How do I find conversions for a reaction with phosphoric acid?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the reactions of a solid ash mix containing various oxides and salts with phosphoric acid, focusing on the conversion rates and how to approach the simulation for mass and energy balances. The context includes considerations of phosphoric acid as a weak acid and its implications for reaction completeness.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the need to write all reactions with phosphoric acid and questions the conversion percentage, suggesting a possible assumption of 50% conversion.
  • Another participant emphasizes that the conversion can only be determined experimentally and acknowledges that while phosphoric acid is a weak acid and does not fully dissociate, it does not imply that the dissociated parts do not fully react with other reactants.
  • Several participants express uncertainty about the clarity of the information provided and suggest consulting with more experienced chemists for further guidance.
  • There is a recognition that without hands-on experience with such mixtures, it is challenging to provide definitive answers regarding the reactions and conversions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the complexity of determining conversion rates and the need for experimental data, but there is no consensus on specific assumptions or methodologies to apply in this context.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge limitations in their knowledge of inorganic chemistry and the challenges posed by the variability of reactions in mixtures containing multiple components.

Rub3y
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TL;DR
Salts and oxides react with phosphoric acid. How do I get conversion %?
I have a solid ash mix containing oxides(ZnO, NiO, MgO, Cr2O3, etc.) and salts (Na2SO4, K2SO4, apatite, etc.). I am supposed to write all of the reactions with phosphoric acid (should be between 1 and 2 mol/l) and put it in a simulation for mass and energy balances. But since phosphoric acid is a weak acid, this stuff doesn't 100% convert, right? Or maybe not at all...? I can look for the reactions no problem, but I have no idea how I would search for the conversion %. Can I maybe make some assumptions fe conversion of everything is 50%. Can anyone give me some tips on how I best handle this or which assumptions I can make?
 
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It's hard to tell. In the end, the conversion (yield) can only be determined experimentally. Stoichiometrically, you simply have to write and balance the equation(s). Phosphoric acid is a weak acid, so you are correct in that it doesn't fully dissociate in water, but this does not mean that the parts that do come from dissociation do not fully react with the other reactants (at least this is a decent assumption).
 
Mayhem said:
It's hard to tell. In the end, the conversion (yield) can only be determined experimentally. Stoichiometrically, you simply have to write and balance the equation(s). Phosphoric acid is a weak acid, so you are correct in that it doesn't fully dissociate in water, but this does not mean that the parts that do come from dissociation do not fully react with the other reactants (at least this is a decent assumption).
Excellent idea! Exactly what I needed.
 
Rub3y said:
Excellent idea! Exactly what I needed.
I hope what I said was clear. Again I would probably run it by @Borek or another experienced chemist. My knowledge of inorganic chemistry is honestly... lacking.
 
Mayhem said:
I hope what I said was clear. Again I would probably run it by @Borek or another experienced chemist. My knowledge of inorganic chemistry is honestly... lacking.

Nah, what you wrote is perfectly valid, there is no simple answer here and unless someone works with exactly such mixtures and has some hands on experience it is pretty hard to add something.
 
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