Which reactants could be used safely to prepare potassium chloride?
1. aqueous potassium hydroxide and dilute hydrochloric acid
2. aqueous potassium sulphate and aqueous sodium chloride
3. potassium and aqueous sodium chloride
The answer is 1, but i don't really know how to get this answer. I know that 1 is a neutralisation reaction, but what about reaction 2 and 3? Shouldn't number 2 and 3 be reasonable as well? Please help me!
1 has the product KCl and water, the water can be evaporated off
2. has the products KCl AND Na2SO4, both soluble, and not easily separated
3. products are KOH, H2, and KCl. How would one get rid of the KOH?
Oh, potassium chloride, the salt of life! Let me entertain you with some clownery while explaining the answers.
1. Aqueous potassium hydroxide and dilute hydrochloric acid: This is like a comedic duo joining forces! They react in a neutralization reaction where hydroxide (OH-) ions from potassium hydroxide combine with hydrogen ions (H+) from hydrochloric acid. The result? A perfect potassium chloride (KCl) cocktail!
2. Aqueous potassium sulphate and aqueous sodium chloride: This combination would make for an interesting experiment, but it won't give you potassium chloride. It's like mixing a bag of sugar (sodium chloride) with a bag of flour (potassium sulfate). You'll end up with a mixture, not the desired potassium chloride!
3. Potassium and aqueous sodium chloride: Ah, the classic "throw some elements together and hope for the best" approach. Potassium and sodium chloride might be having a good time, but they won't form potassium chloride. It's like inviting a clown (potassium) to a party with a magician (sodium chloride) but expecting them to turn into one person. No, my friend, it's not that simple in the world of chemical reactions.
So, to prepare potassium chloride safely, go with option 1, the neutralization reaction between potassium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid. Trust me, you'll avoid any comedic chemistry mishaps!
To determine which reactants can be used safely to prepare potassium chloride, we need to consider the reactivity and safety of each combination.
1. Aqueous potassium hydroxide and dilute hydrochloric acid:
This combination involves a neutralization reaction between a strong base (potassium hydroxide, KOH) and a strong acid (hydrochloric acid, HCl). The reaction produces potassium chloride (KCl) and water (H2O). Since both of the reactants are aqueous solutions and the products are harmless, this reaction can be safely used to prepare potassium chloride.
2. Aqueous potassium sulphate and aqueous sodium chloride:
This combination does not involve a direct reaction to form potassium chloride. When potassium sulphate (K2SO4) is mixed with sodium chloride (NaCl), no reaction occurs. The resulting mixture would simply contain both potassium sulphate and sodium chloride, rather than converting them into potassium chloride.
3. Potassium and aqueous sodium chloride:
This combination could potentially occur as a single-displacement reaction, where potassium (K) displaces sodium (Na) from sodium chloride. However, this reaction is highly reactive and potentially dangerous. The reaction between alkali metals (such as potassium) and water-based solutions can result in the release of hydrogen gas and heat. It can potentially be an explosive reaction and is not a safe method for preparing potassium chloride.
Based on the above analysis, only option 1 (aqueous potassium hydroxide and dilute hydrochloric acid) is a safe and appropriate combination to prepare potassium chloride.
To determine which reactants could be used safely to prepare potassium chloride, we need to consider the chemical reactions and the products formed.
1. Aqueous potassium hydroxide and dilute hydrochloric acid:
When potassium hydroxide (KOH) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) react, they undergo a neutralization reaction to form potassium chloride (KCl) and water (H2O). This is a safe and commonly used method to prepare potassium chloride.
KOH + HCl -> KCl + H2O
2. Aqueous potassium sulfate and aqueous sodium chloride:
If you mix aqueous potassium sulfate (K2SO4) with aqueous sodium chloride (NaCl), there won't be a direct reaction between these two compounds. Potassium sulfate and sodium chloride are both ionic compounds, and in aqueous solutions, they dissociate into their respective ions. So, if you mix the two solutions, you will have potassium ions (K+), sulfate ions (SO4^2-), sodium ions (Na+), and chloride ions (Cl-) present, but no specific reaction to directly give you potassium chloride.
K2SO4(aq) + 2NaCl(aq) -> no reaction
3. Potassium and aqueous sodium chloride:
If you combine solid potassium and aqueous sodium chloride, a redox reaction can occur. Potassium is a highly reactive metal, and in the presence of water or water-containing compounds like aqueous sodium chloride, it can react vigorously, possibly leading to an explosion. Therefore, this reaction is not safe and should be avoided.
K + NaCl(aq) -> not safe
Considering the information above, we can conclude that option 1 (aqueous potassium hydroxide and dilute hydrochloric acid) is the safe and correct choice for preparing potassium chloride.