I'm trying to work out the equation for when ammonia solution is added to zinc hydroxide solution. I think a precipitate forms.
[Zn(OH)4]2- + NH3(aq) + H2O(l) --> ????
Zn(OH)2 + 4NH3 ==> Zn(NH3)4(OH)2
The Zn(OH)2 forms a soluble complex ion with NH3.
To determine the chemical equation for the reaction between ammonia solution (NH3) and zinc hydroxide solution (Zn(OH)2), you can use the solubility rules and the combination of ions.
First, let's break down the given compounds into their respective ions:
Zinc hydroxide (Zn(OH)2) dissociates into Zn2+ and 2 OH- ions.
Ammonia (NH3) remains as NH3 in solution.
Now, let's consider the reaction:
[Zn(OH)4]2- + NH3(aq) + H2O(l) -->
Since the zinc hydroxide ion [Zn(OH)4]2- doesn't exist naturally in solution, we will assume that it dissociates into Zn2+ and 4 OH- ions.
So now, we have:
Zn2+ + 4 OH- + NH3(aq) + H2O(l) -->
The reaction between Zn2+ and NH3 results in the formation of a complex ion called tetraamminezinc(II) hydroxide:
Zn2+ + 4 NH3 + 4 OH- + H2O(l) -->
Finally, we balance the equation:
Zn(OH)2 + 4 NH3 ==> Zn(NH3)4(OH)2
The equation represents the formation of the complex ion Zn(NH3)4(OH)2 when ammonia is added to zinc hydroxide. The product is a soluble complex ion that forms as a result of the reaction between zinc ions and ammonia molecules.