Question 4.3: PREDICTING THE PRODUCT OF A PRECIPITATION REACTION Will a pr...

PREDICTING THE PRODUCT OF A PRECIPITATION REACTION

Will a precipitation reaction occur when aqueous solutions of CdCl_{2}  and  (NH_{4})_{2}S are mixed? If so, write the net ionic equation.

STRATEGY
Write the possible reaction, identify the two potential products, and predict the solubility of each. In the present instance, CdCl_{2}  and  (NH_{4})_{2}S might give CdS and NH_{4}Cl:

??   CdCl_{2}(aq)  +  (NH_{4})_{2}S(aq)  →  CdS  +  2  NH_{4}Cl    ??

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Of the two possible products, the solubility guidelines predict that CdS, a sulfide, is insoluble and that NH_{4}Cl, an ammonium compound and a halide, is soluble. Thus, a precipitation reaction will likely occur:

Cd^{2+}(aq)  +  S^{2-}(aq)  →  CdS(s)

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