Unraveling Double Salt Reactions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the reactions involving double salts, specifically focusing on the reactions of Cu(NH4)2(SO4)2 with NaOH and BaCl2. Participants explore the products of these reactions and the underlying principles governing them, including ionic equations and solubility rules.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the products of the reactions between Cu(NH4)2(SO4)2 and NaOH, as well as BaCl2.
  • Another participant suggests considering each pair of ions separately to understand the reactions better.
  • A participant proposes that the reaction with NaOH produces NH3, CuSO4, Na2(SO4), and H2O, while the reaction with BaCl2 yields NH3, BaSO4, and CuCl2.
  • One participant questions the understanding of net ionic reactions, indicating that the initial proposal contains both correct and incorrect elements.
  • A later reply clarifies the breakdown of Cu(NH4)2(SO4)2 into its ionic components and discusses the potential reactions with NaOH.
  • Another participant points out that the proposed products suggest the precipitation of two salts, which they argue is not the case, as the ions involved may act as spectators.
  • There is a discussion about which ions will react, with a mention of solubility rules and the complexity introduced by ammonia acting as a complexing agent.
  • One participant notes that the exact outcome of the reactions may depend on the amounts of reactants used.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the products of the reactions and the role of spectator ions, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference solubility rules and the behavior of ions in solution, but the discussion lacks consensus on the specific outcomes of the reactions and the conditions under which they occur.

elitewarr
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How does double salt reactions work?

Let's say, Cu(NH4)2(SO4)2 + NaOH --> ??
OR maybe Cu(NH4)2(SO4)2 + BaCl2 --> ?

Thanks.
 
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Think about each pair of ions separately.

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methods
 
So for the first equation, Cu(NH4)2(SO4)2 + NaOH gives NH3 + CuSO4 + Na2(SO4) + H2O?
Cu(NH4)2(SO4)2 + BaCl2 will give NH3 + BaSO4 + CuCl2 ?
 
Do you know what net ionic reaction is?

You are partially on the right track, partially wrong.

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methods
 
Yes. I know what is ionic equation.
So, Cu(NH4)2(SO4)2 break down becomes Cu2+ + 2NH4+ + 2SO4 2-
NaOH will be Na+ and OH-.
So OH- + NH4+ --> NH4OH --> NH3 + H2O ?
and Cu2+ + 2SO4 2- + Na+ --> CuSO4 and Na2SO4?
 
elitewarr said:
Cu2+ + 2SO4 2- + Na+ --> CuSO4 and Na2SO4?

What you wrote seems to be suggesting that two salts precipitated - that's not the case. If mixed, all three ions are just spectators.

However, one of them can react with OH- and NH3...

--
methods
 
So Cu2+ will react with OH- ? But how do I know which ion will react?
 
Solubility rules - what do you know about solubility of hydroxides?

However, this is more complicated. Ammonia is a good complexing agent and it easily reacts with copper. I am afraid exact outcome depends on the amount of reactants used.

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methods
 

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