Use this activity series to predict whether or not the following single replacement reaction can occur. If it can, balance the equation. If it can’t explain why.
HgCl2 + Al → AlCl3 + Hg
Mercury (II) chloride + aluminum → Aluminum chloride + Mercury
To determine whether the single replacement reaction between HgCl2 (Mercury (II) chloride) and Al (aluminum) can occur, we need to compare the activity series of metals.
The activity series of metals from most reactive to least reactive is as follows:
Li > K > Ba > Sr > Ca > Na > Mg > Al > Mn > Zn > Cr > Fe > Cd > Co > Ni > Sn > Pb > H > Cu > Ag > Hg > Pt > Au
In this case, aluminum (Al) is more reactive than mercury (Hg). According to the activity series, aluminum can replace mercury in a chemical reaction. Therefore, the reaction can occur.
The balanced equation for the reaction is:
2HgCl2 + 2Al → 2AlCl3 + 2Hg