What is the significance of the limiting reagent in a reaction? What happens to the amount of any reagent that is present in an excess?
The limiting reagent in a reaction is the reactant that is completely consumed or used up, thus limiting the amount of product that can be formed. This means that even if there are other reactants present in excess, the reaction will stop once the limiting reagent is depleted.
The significance of the limiting reagent lies in determining the maximum amount of product that can be formed. The reaction cannot proceed beyond the amount dictated by the limiting reagent, as it acts as a bottleneck in the reaction. Therefore, the limiting reagent governs the efficiency and yield of the reaction.
Any reagent that is present in excess will remain unconsumed once the reaction is completed. Its presence will not affect the amount of product formed, as it is not involved in the reaction after the limiting reagent is consumed. This excess reagent is often left over and can be recovered, but it does not contribute to the reaction beyond the point where the limiting reagent is depleted.