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SECTION - I
VALENCY/OXIDATION NUMBER/BALANCING EQUATIONS
Modern Definition of Valency
Valency is the power of an atom of an element to combine with other atoms measured
by the number of electrons which an atom or radical will lose, gain or share to form a chemical
compound.
Types of Valences:
(i)Electrovalency( shown in ionic compounds eg. NaCl, K2SO4 etc)
(ii)Covalency (shown in covalent compounds eg SO2, NH3, H2SO4 etc)
Electrovalency
Radicals:
Radical is an atom or a group of atoms which form an ion (positive or negative) by loss
or gain of electrons. It is part of an ionic compound. Two radicals form a compound.
Types of Radicals:
(i)Basic Radical: This forms the +ve ion or cation part of the compound. Usually
metals e.g Na+, K+, Ca2+, Al3+, Ag+, Hg2+, Fe3+ etc. (exception: NH4+, H+ ). This part comes
from a base.
(ii)Acid Radical: This forms the –ve ion or anion part of the compound. Usually it is
made up of nonmetals. Some acid radicals contain both metal and nonmetal atoms.
(i)monoatomic acid radical: Cl–, Br–, S2-, O2-, N3-, P3-, H– etc
(ii)Compound acid radical : SO42-, PO43-, CO32-, SO32-, OH–, NO2–, NO3–
etc. (exceptions: MnO4–, CrO42-, AlO2– etc which contain both metal and non-metal)
Charge of Basic Radical = + valency of the radical,
Charge of Acid Radical = - velency of the radical
Task: Write the ionic representations of the following radicals: Al, Fe(ous), Cu(ic), Sn(ous),
NH4, Br, O, SO4, NO2, MnO4, Cr2O7, C, N, PO4
Definition of Electrovalency:
Electrovalency is the number of electrons lost or gained (not shared)by a radical. The
valency tables(table 1 and 2) given later are electrovalencies.
IMPORTANT:
In fact all the radicals listed in table 1 under basic radicals are positive ions which
are formed by the loss of electron(s). Likewise all the radicals listed in table 2 under acid
radicals are negative ions which are formed by the gain of electrons. The basic and acid
radicals are never to be considered as neutral species. Na is a metal which is neutral.
But Na as a radical is present in a compound like NaCl. Here Na is not neutral although we
conventionally write as Na. Actually it is Na+. Similarly iron(Fe) is a metal which is neutral.
But Fe as a radical is present in compounds in two forms i.e ferrous(eg. ferrous sulphate)
in which it remains as Fe++ or Fe2+ ions and the other ferric( e.g ferric sulphate) in which
it remains as Fe+++ or Fe3+ ions. Similarly chlorine as a gas is neutral and has formula Cl2.
But Cl as a radical(chloride) present in any compound like NaCl is actually not Cl, instead
it is Cl– (a -ve ion).
Conclusion: All basic radicals form +ve ions and all acid radical form -ve ions. The
magnitude of charge is equal to the valency of the radical.
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
2 Concepts in Chemistry
Covalency :
The number of electrons which an atom shares in forming a covalent bond with other
atoms in a molecule or ion is called the covalency of the atom. There is nothing called
covalency of a group of atoms(radical) like that we learnt in electrovalency(sulfate, carbonate
etc.). Covalency is determined for an atom in a covalent molecule or ion. This type of
valencies are found in binary covalent compounds like PCl5, NH3, CO2 etc. and covalent ions
like SO42-, NO3- etc. The details on covalency will be discussed later.
In compound like aluminium sulphate there are two types of valencies- electrovalency between
Al3+ and SO42- and covalency within S and O atoms in forming SO42-. Similarly in compound
like Na2CO3 the valency of Na and CO3 are 1+ and 2- respectively while in CO32- the
valency of C is 4 as it is sharing four of its elelctrons with the three oxygen atoms. Note that
each covalent bond is made up of two electrons contributed one each by the the two linking
atoms.
2- O
+
Na2CO 3 Na + CO 3 ; C (covalency of C=4)
electrovalency O O
Note that both electrovalency and covalency are expressed by a single term called
Oxidation Number(ON) or Oxidation State(OS). The only difference between valency
and ON is that there is a sign in ON(+ve and -ve) while there no sign in valency. These things
will be made more clear in later sections.
CHEMICAL FORMULAE
Molecular Formula:
A molecular formula is a concise way of expressing information about the atoms that
constitute a particular chemical compound. It identifies each type of element by its chemical
symbol and identifies the number of atoms of such element to be found in each individual
molecule of the compound. The number of atoms(if greater than one) is indicated as a
subscript. Molecular formula is valid for covalent molecular substances like CO2, NH3, H2SO4,
N2O5 etc. which exist in the form of discrete molecules.
Empirical Formula:
Empirical formula of a compound is a simple expression of the relative number of
each type of atom or ratio of the atoms of different elements present in it. Empirical formula
is valid for non-molecular substances which remain as network solids. All ionic compounds
like NaCl, CaSO4, KNO3 etc. and a few covalent network solids like SiO2 fall into this
category of non-molecular substances. In any ionic compound, say for example NaCl, there
is no individual NaCl molecule. Na+ and Cl- ions are arranged alternately in a repeated manner
in three dimension to form a gigantic network. In such cases molecular formula cannot be
known rather their empirical formula which gives a simple ratio of the elements present in
the compound can be known.
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
Logic of Inorganic Reactions 3
Crossover Rule:
While writing chemical formula of an ionic compound, valency of basic and acid
radicals are crisscrossed. In other words the valency of basic radical becomes the subscript
of acid radical and vice versa. The following examples will suffice.
3 2
Al (SO 4) Al2(SO 4)3
2 2
Zn (CO 3) ZnCO 3
Note that parenthesis is used for a compound radical which contains more than one
element such as CO3, SO4 etc. only when there is any subscript associated with it. In the
first example, parenthesis is used for SO4 but not in the second example for CO3. For
monoatomic radicals containing one element such as Al, Cl, O etc parenthesis is not used even
if there is a coefficient [e.g. AlCl3 and not Al(Cl)3]
Question arises why does this crisscrossing of valencies are done? This is done to
equalise the total positive and negative charge as the molecule is neutral i.e net charge of the
molecule should be zero.
2-
SO 4
3+
Al
2-
SO 4
3+
Al
2-
3 2
SO 4
Al (SO4) Al2(SO4)3
The hollows(depressions) in the above picture of the basic radical is the site from which electrons
have been lost and the mount(bulging out) portions in the acid radical are the sites at which
electron have been accepted. There must be a complete matching between the hollows with
the mounts.
In aluminium sulphate, there are two Al3+ ions, so the total +ve charge is 2 X (+3) = +6; and
that is why there are three SO42- ions, so that the total -ve charge is 3 X (-2) = -6. In zinc
carbonate, one Zn2+ ion has +2 charge and one CO32- ion has -2 charge and thus the charge
balance occurs. While writing formula for such compounds in which the valencies of acid and
basic radicals are same or are simple multiples of each other, then the valencies are simplified.
In zinc carbonate the valency 2 for each radical get cancelled while writing the formula. In
cupric ferrocyanide, the valencies get simplified by dividing with a factor 2. Hence to conclude,
empirical formula gives the simplest whole number ratio of basic and acid radicals.
4 2
2 2 4
Cu [Fe(CN)6] Cu [Fe(CN)6] Cu2 [Fe(CN)6]
IMPORTANT: In ionic compounds the formula we talk of are empirical formula not molecular
formula.
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
4 Concepts in Chemistry
VALENCY TABLES
AND
FORMULA WRITING TIPS
The formula writing is the most vital part in the study of chemical sciences. Unless
and until you write formula correctly it is not worthwhile to proceed further. So practise
adequately to master over it. Students often neglect this part of chemistry and become
permanently weak in the subject. You should not try to cram the valencies of different basic
and acid parts(radicals) given in the tables below rather just read them and practise writing
formulae of compounds for a large number of times. Check them yourself and know your
mistakes. Within a few days of regular practice and self check, these will automatically be
stored in your memory. No special effort will be necessary for the purpose.
BASIC RADICALS (TABLE-I)
ACID RADICALS(TABLE-II)
Valency = 1 Valency = 2 Valency = 3 Valency = 4
fluoride(F) carbonate(CO3) nitride(N) carbide(C)
chloride(Cl) sulphate(SO4) phosphate or ferrocyanide
bromide(Br) oxide(O) orthophosphate [Fe(CN)6]
iodide(I) sulphite(SO3) (PO4)
nitrate(NO3) sulphide(S) ferricyanide dioxide(O2)
nitrite(NO2) thiosulphate(S2O3) [Fe(CN)6] pyrophosphate
bicarbonate or manganate(MnO4) borate or (P2O7)
or hydrogen chromate(CrO4) orthoborate
carbonate(HCO3) dichromate(Cr2O7) (BO3)
bisulphite or oxalate(C2O4) oxychloride(OCl)
hydorgen sulphite(HSO3) zincate(ZnO2) phospide(P)
hypochlorite(OCl or ClO) stannite(SnO2) arsenite(AsO3)
permanganate(MnO4) stannate(SnO3) arsenate(AsO4)
chlorite(ClO2) plumbite(PbO2) cobaltinitrite
bisulphate or plumbate(PbO3) [Co(NO2)6]
hydorgen sulphate(HSO4) berrylate(BeO2)
chlorate(ClO3) peroxide(O2)
bromate(BrO3) tetrathionate(S4O6)
iodate(IO3) hydorgen phosphite
meta aluminate (HPO3)
(AlO2) peroxydisulphate
superoxide(O2) or persulphate(S2O8)
hypophosphite(H2PO2) carbide(C2)
perchlorate(ClO4) hydrogen phosphate
perbromate(BrO4) (HPO4)
periodate(IO4) molybdate(MoO4)
hydride(H) dihydrogen pyroantimonate
cyanide(CN) (H2Sb2O7)
isocyanide(NC) silicate or metasilicate
cyanate(OCN) (SiO3)
thiocyanate(SCN) tungstate(WO4)
isocyanate(NCO) titanate(TiO3)
isothiocyanate(NCS) tetraborate(B4O7)
acetate(CH3COO) nitroprusside[Fe(CN)5NO]
hydroxide(OH)
dihydrogen phosphate
(H2PO4)
metaphosphate(PO3)
chromite(CrO2)
metaborate(BO2)
vanadate(VO3)
azide(N3)
bisulphide(HS)
argentocynide[Ag(CN)2]
antimonite(SbO2)
antimonate(SbO3)
bismuthate(BiO3)
perrhenate(ReO4)
ferrite(FeO2)
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
6 Concepts in Chemistry
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
Logic of Inorganic Reactions 7
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
8 Concepts in Chemistry
IONIC EQUATIONS
You already know that a compound has two parts or radicals namely basic radical and
acid radical . For example in K2SO4, K is the basic part and SO4 is the acid part.
Potassium sulphate
K2SO4 K SO 4
(Basic part) (Acid part)
The basic part has come from the base(in this case KOH) and the acid part has come from the
acid(in this case H2SO4). It has already been discussed before that these are ionic compounds
and these radicals are really ions, not neutral species. In the above example, they are K+ and
SO42-, not K and SO4 as written above.
Aqueous Solution:
Many compounds which are soluble in water form free ions on dissolution. Such
compounds are mostly are ionic in nature. For example when solid K2SO4 is dissolved in water
one molecule of K2SO4 forms two potassium ions (cations), each carrying a charge of +1 and
one sulphate ion (anion) carrying a charge of 2-. The basic part forms the cation and the
acid part forms the anion.
+ 2-
K2SO 4 2 K + SO 4
(Basic part) (Acid part)
The magnitude of charge which each ion carries is equal to the valency of the part (radical)
with appropriate sign. Acid part carries -ve and basic part +ve charges. The valency of
potassium is 1 and since it is basic radical, it will carry +1 charge. The valency of sulphate(SO4)
is 2 and since it is acid radical, it will carry 2- (or --)charge.
Solid inorganic compounds which are soluble in water dissociate into free ions. All solid
inorganic compounds whether are highly soluble in water or not have one basic and one acid
part. Silver chloride(AgCl) is feebly soluble in water(practically insoluble), but it contains the
basic radical Ag and acid radical Cl. All inorganic acids and bases also contain positive and
negative ions. The following SAQ will make the idea clear.
SAQ 5: Write down the acid and basic radicals with appropriate charge shown with
the symbol/formula. Also indicate how many ions of each type will be formed fromt
hem on dissociation in water.
Set-I: zinc carbonate, calcium phosphate, ammonium nitrate, hydrogen sulphide, calcium
acetate, sodium chlorate, sulphuric acid, aluminium carbide, ferrous nitrite
Set-II: potassium permanganate, ferric sulphate, nitric acid, magnesium carbonate,
aluminium hydroxide, sodium dichromate, ammonium perchlorate, mercurous nitrate, cupric
thiosulphate, hydrochloric acid
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
Logic of Inorganic Reactions 9
Oxides and hydroxides of Group 1(alkali metals e.g Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) and three heavier elements
of Group 2(alkaline earth metals -Ca, Sr and Ba) belong to this category. Strictly speaking only
the alkali metal oxides and hydroxides are strong bases. Oxides and hydroxides of Ca, Sr and Ba
are less basic and less soluble than alkali metal oxides and hydroxides.
(b) Insoluble or Weak bases: They are slightly soluble and weakly ionisable in water.
Hydroxides and oxides of all metals other than those cited under soluble strong base category
fall into this class. e.g Fe(OH)3, MgO etc.
Exception: NH3 is highly soluble in water but forms a weak base. when NH3 gas dissolves
in water a weak base NH4OH is formed which ionises very little in water and forms NH4+ and
OH- ions to a very small extent.
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
10 Concepts in Chemistry
SAQ 6 : Indicate which one are strong acids (S) and which are weak acids(W) among
the following:
H3PO4, H2SO4, HCN, CH3COOH, HNO3, HF, HCl, HCOOH, HBr, HNO2, H2CO3, HI,
H2SO3, HBrO, HClO4,
Ionic Equations:
Let us first know how ionic equations are written. For that purpose let us take an acid-base
reaction. You know that an acid reacts with a base to produce a salt and water.
Acid-Base Reactions:
HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) ---------> NaCl(aq) + H2O (l)
First, all the species which are marked with the symbol (aq) are converted to their ions(cation
and anion). The symbol 'aq' stands for aqueous and such species are soluble in water and
undergo ionisation to produce their respective cations(basic part) and anions(acid part). Note
that the species marked with the symbol (s), (l) or (g) representing the species existing as solid,
liquid and gas respectively are written as such without converting them into their ions. These
species are insoluble and do not dissolve in water to produce their respective ions.
Total Ionic Equation(TIE:
+ - + - + -
H + Cl + Na + OH Na + Cl + H2O(l)
When all the species associated with (aq) mark are converted to their ions we get the equation
called Total Ionic Equation as shown in the above example. After that we find out which ions
appear common on both LHS and RHS. These are the ions which do not actually take part in the
reaction and are called spectator ions. Just like when we view a cricket match in a stadium or
television as spectators, we do not take part in the game. It is the the players who play and are
important persons and not we, who merely watch the game. In the same manner, the ions which
do not take part in the reaction are not important. In the above example, Na+ and Cl- are the
spectator ions. These are to be cancelled from both the sides to get a clean equation containing
only the involved ions(the players in the chemical game). This simple ionic equation is called Net
Ionic Equation.
Net Ionic Equation(NIE):
+ -
H + OH H2O(l)
In this example, actually the H+ ion from an acid reacts with OH- ions from a base to form
undissociated water molecule. Other ions are simply not important and do not contribute to the
reaction. So they have been removed from the equation.
Note that we shall use the abbreviations TIE for Total Ionic Equation and NIE for Net Ionic
Equation henceforth.
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
Logic of Inorganic Reactions 11
How shall we know which solid species is insoluble and hence to be associated with a
mark (s) and which are soluble so as to be associated with a mark (aq). Of course, there is no
difficulty in detecting liquid or gaseous species for example Cl2(g), N2(g), NO2(g), H2O2(l),
Br2(l) etc. The real trouble lies with the solid species. The following tables give the solubility
rules for some common solids at room temperature. If a solid has a minimum solubility of 0.1
mole per litre of solution at room temperature, it is regarded as a soluble solid. If the solubility is
less than 0.001 mole per litre at room temperature it is regarded as insoluble solid. Solubility lying
between 0.001 to 0.1 mole per litre comes under slightly soluble category. In the following tables
slighly soluble solids(eg. CaSO4, PbCl2, PbBr2 etc.) have been kept under insoluble category. Do
not try to cram the table, rather try to refer it at the time of your need.
Solubility Rules(Table-I)
(A) Soluble Category Exceptions:(Insoluble)
1. Inorganic acids (ALL) _
(HCl, H2SO4, HNO3 etc.)
2. alkali metal (Li+, Na+, K+ , Rb+, Cs+, Fr+)
and NH4+ salts (ALL) _
3. NO3-(nitrates) (ALL) _
4. ClO3-(chlorates), ClO4-(perchlorates) (ALL) _
5. CH3COO-(acetates) (ALL) _
6. SO42-(sulphates) Pb2+, Ca2+,Sr2+, Ba2+, Hg22+, Hg2+, Ag+
7. Cl-(chloride),Br-(bromide)*
I-(iodide)* Hg22+(ous), Ag+, Pb2+, Cu+, Tl+
Solubility Rules(Table-II)
(B) Insoluble Category Exceptions(Soluble)
1. F-(fluorides) alkali metal(Na+, K+, NH4+,
Rb+,Cs+, Fr+), Ag+, Tl+ flourides
2. O2-(oxides), OH-(hydroxides) alkali metal (Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+,Cs+,
Fr+), alkaline earth metal (only
Ca2+,Sr2+,Ba2+ , Ra2+), Tl+ & NH4+
oxides and hydroxides
3. CO32-(carbonates), SO32-(sulphite) alkali metal (Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+,
PO43-(phosphates), Cs+, Fr+), alkaline earth metal
AsO43-(arsenates) and (only Be2+) & NH4+ salts
CrO42-(chromates)
4. S2-(sulphides) alkali metal (Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+,
Cs+, Fr+)alkaline earth metal
(Be2+, Mg2+,Ca2+,Sr2+,Ba2+,Ra2+ )&
NH4+ sulphides
5. Ag+, Hg22+ and Pb2+salts acetate(CH3COO-) & nitrate(NO3-)
* HgBr and HgI2 are insoluble.
Dr. S. S.Tripathy 2
12 Concepts in Chemistry
Note that the solubility rules given in the above tables are never to be memorised. For the
beginners, there will be always an indication in the question about species which are
solid(s), liquid(l), gas(g) or aqueous(aq.). In case such indications are absent, then you
are advised to refer the solubility rules and indicate which are soluble(aq) and which are
not (s). For gases and liquids there will be no difficulty in identifying.
SAQ 10:Write down the total and net ionic equations(TIE and NIE) for the following.
The equations are not to be balanced. Do not write the number of +ve and -ve ions
produced from each molecule while writing TIE.
(i) H2SO4(aq) + Ca(OH)2 (aq) → CaSO4(aq) + H2O(l)
(ii) AgNO3(aq) + NaCl(aq) → AgCl(s) + NaNO3(aq)
(iii) NaOH(aq) + H3PO4(aq) → Na3PO4(aq) + H2O(l)
(iv) BaCl2(aq) + K2CrO4(aq) → BaCrO4(s) + KCl(aq)
(v) Pb(NO3)2(aq.)+ HCl(aq) → PbCl2(s) + HNO3(aq)
SAQ 11: Write down the Net ionic equations(NIE) for the following. Don't balance.
(i) NH4OH(aq) + AlCl3(aq) → Al(OH)3(s) + NH4Cl(aq)
(ii) Fe(OH)2(s)+ HNO3(aq) → Fe(NO3)2 (aq) + H2O(l)
(iii) Na2CO3(aq) + CaCl2(aq) → CaCO3(s) + NaCl(aq)
(iv) Fe2(SO4)3(aq) + NaOH(aq) → Fe(OH)3(s) + Na2SO4(aq)
(v) HBr(aq) + Ca(OH)2(aq) → CaBr2(aq) + H2O(l)
SAQ 12: Write down the Net Ionic Equations for the following. Don't balance the equations.
(i) Zn(s) + HCl(aq) → ZnCl2(aq) + H2(g)
(ii) Mg(s) + H2SO4(aq) → MgSO4(aq) + H2(g)
(iii) CuSO4(aq) + Zn(s) → Cu(s) + ZnSO4(aq)
(iv) Al(s) + NaOH(aq) → NaAlO2(aq) + H2(g)
(v) NaOH(aq) + H3PO4(aq) → NaH2PO4(aq) + H2O(l)
SAQ 13:Write the total and net ionic equations
(i)K2Cr2O7(aq) +H2SO4(aq) +FeSO4(aq) →Cr2(SO4)3(aq)+K2SO4(aq)+Fe2(SO4)3 (aq)+H2O(l)
(ii)Cl2(g) + NaOH(aq) → NaClO3(aq) + NaCl(aq) + H2O(l)
(iii)KMnO4(aq) + H2SO4(aq) + H2C2O4(s) → K2SO4(aq) + MnSO4(aq) + CO2(g) + H2O(l)
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
Logic of Inorganic Reactions 13
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
14 Concepts in Chemistry
(5) In a neutral compound the sum of O.Ns of all the atoms of all the elements is
zero.
Example: Let us take the molecule SO3. What is the ON of S in this molecule?
Let us assume the ON of S to be x. The sum of the ONs of all the atoms in the molecule
is zero as per this rule.
x + 3(-2) =0 , So x = +6. For one oxygen atom the ON is -2 and therefore for 3 oxygen
atom it is 3(-2)=-6; The ON of S in SO3 is +6.
SAQ 19: Find the ON of underlined elements.(i)SO2, (ii)HNO3, (iii)H2SO4, (iv)KMnO4,
(v)P2O5, (vi)K2Cr 2O7, (vii)HClO4
(6)The sum of ONs of all the atoms in a polyatomic ion is equal to the charge of the
ion, while the charge of the ion is equal to the valency of the ion with the appropriate
sign(acid radical -ve and basic radical +ve)
Example: SO42-. Since the valency of sulphate radical is 2, its charge will be -2 as it is an acid
radical. Let us find the ON of S in the ion. According to the above rule the sum of the ONs of all
the atoms should be equal to the charge of the ion.
x + 4(-2) = -2 ⇒ x = +6. So the ON of S in sulphate ion is +6.
NB: Conventionally while writing ON, the sign comes first followed by the numerical
value. But when we talk of real ion the sign comes after the numerical value. For example
when we say ON of S in SO42- , it is +6 but when we say the charge of the sulphate ion, it
is written as 2- or - - . This is merely a matter of convention used to distinguish between
the two concepts; while ON is the theoretical charge which one atom will carry, an ion
has the actual charge which the whole ion carries. Note that often students don't give +ve
sign in ONs and write merely 7 instead of +7. This is an error. Always a sign + or - has to
be placed before the numerical value of ON.
Charge
O.N +6 2-
SO4
Also note that the ON is to be placed just above the atom(not as superscript written for charge).
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
Logic of Inorganic Reactions 15
COVALENCY:
The covalency of an atom in a covalent molecule or ion is the number of electrons which the
atom shares with other atoms while forming the covalent bonds. The covalency of an atom is
equal to oxidation number in magnitude. There is no sign(+ve or -ve) in covalency. It is a pure
number. For example, the ON of S in SO42- is +6 and so its covalency is 6.
SAQ 20:
(A) Find the O.N of the underlined atom
(i) NH3, (ii) KNO3, (iii) NO2-, (iv) NO2, (v) N2, (vi) N2O5, (vii) KMnO4, (viii) Cr2O72-
(ix) S2O32-, (x) ClO3-, (xi) NH4+, (xii)NO3-, (xiii) NH4NO3,, (xiv) MnO2, (xv) Cr2(SO4)3,
(xvi) HClO, (xvii) SO32-, (xviii) HCl, (xix) SbCl3, (xx) PH3
(B) Find the covalency of the underlined atoms in case of the following.
(i) NO3- (ii) SO3 (iii) ClO3-
(iv) NH3 (v)N 2O 5
0 +1 +2 0
Zn + HCl ZnCl2 + H2
(RA) (OA)
[R]
In this example, the ON of Zn was zero(uncombined state) in LHS and it becomes +2 in ZnCl2
in RHS. Thus the ON of Zn has increased from 0 to +2 due to loss of 2 electrons by neutral Zn
atom to form Zn2+ ion. This process is oxidation. We say that Zn is oxidised to ZnCl2. On the
other hand, the ON of H in HCl is +1 in LHS and in H2 it is 0 in the RHS. Thus the ON of H has
decreased from +1 to 0 due to gain of one electron. This is the reduction process. We say that
HCl is reduced to H2. We found also that wherever there is oxidation, there is a reduction.
Whenever there is a loss there is definitely a gain. Just like, if you lose a 100 rupee note on the
road, it is your loss, but it is the gain of a person who finds it. Like loss and gain, oxidation and
reduction also go simultaneously. There cannot be an oxidation without having a reduction or
vice versa.
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
16 Concepts in Chemistry
The substance which is oxidised is called Reducing Agent(RA) and the substance
which is reduced is called OxidisingAgent(OA). In the above reaction, Zn is oxidised, hence it
is the reducing agent(RA) as it reduces H+ to H2(ON=0). HCl is reduced, hence it is the
oxidising agent(OA) as it oxidises Zn(ON=0) to Zn2+.
SAQ 21: Show by indicating the ON which is oxidised and which reduced. Also
indicate which is Oxidising Agent(OA) and which Reducing Agent(RA). The elements
which have undergone changes in ON have been underlined.The equations are not
balanced. Do not also try to balance them.
(i) Na + H2O → NaOH + H2
(ii) N2 + H2 → NH3
(iii) P4 + Cl2 → PCl3
(iv) NH3 + CuO → Cu + N2 + H2O
(v) H2 + I2 → HI
(vi) Mg + H2SO4 → MgSO4 + H2
(vii) N2 + O2 → NO
(viii) Cu + HNO3 → Cu(NO3)2 + NO2 + H2O
(ix) MnO2 + HCl → MnCl2 + H2O + Cl2
(x) KMnO4 + H2SO4 + FeSO4 → K2SO4 + MnSO4 + Fe2(SO4)3 +H2O
0 +1 +2 0
ex. Zn + HCl ZnCl2 + H2
[R]
(ii) Metathesis Reactions: No change in ON takes place for any element. The hundreds of
double replacement reactions(also called as double decomposition) that you know belong
to this category. Look to the following reactions.
+1 -1 +1 -1
eg. AgNO3(aq) + HCl(aq) AgCl(s) + HNO 3(aq)
+1 +1 +1 +1
NaOH + H2SO4 Na2SO4 + H2O(l)
In such reactions no element undergoes change in ON. You may calculate the ON of each
element and find for yourself that no change in ON has taken place. You are advised to avoid
calculation of ON once you see a reaction belonging to double displacement reaction type. In
such reactions, change in ON does not take place as the same acid and basic radical(ions) are
present on both the sides although their partners are changed.
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
Logic of Inorganic Reactions 17
Caution: Remember that there cannot be any reaction involving only oxidation and no reduction
or vice versa. In other words, the reaction cannot be an intermediate between redox and
metathesis types. The following example will explain it more clearly.
+1 +1 +1 0
Na2O + H2O NaOH + H2 (wrong)
In this case only H has undergone reduction from +1 to 0 and there is no oxidation. This is not
possible. So the products have been wrongly predicted. The correct reaction is
+1 +1 +1 +1
Na2O + H2O NaOH (It is a metathesis reaction, not redox)
SAQ 22: Indicate by assigning ON which reactions are redox and which metathesis. If
you find a reaction to be double resplacement type(metathesis), don't find the ONs of
atoms. Leave them as such. There is no change in ON in those reactions.
(i) H2 + Cl2 --------> HCl
(ii) Zn(NO3)2 + NH4OH ---------> Zn(OH)2 + NH4NO3
(iii) Cu + HNO3 ------> Cu(NO3)2 + NO2 + H2O
(iv) Na + H2O ---------> NaOH + H2
(v) NaOH + HNO3 -----> NaNO3 + H2O
(vi) AgNO3 + HCl -----> AgCl + HNO3
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
1. Using solubility rules, predict which of the following are insoluble(I) and whcih
are soluble(S) in water.
NaNO3, KBr, MgF2, FeCl2, MgCO3, BaSO4, MgS, Na3PO4, Na2CrO4, Ba(ClO4)2,
Ba(OH)2, Hg2Cl2, NH4F, BeCO3, PbI2, Ag2SO4, LiBr, K2Cr2O7, AgCl, Mg3(PO4)2
2. Write down the anions produced from the following acids in water.
HClO3, H3PO4, CH3COOH, HCN, HOCl, H2SO4, HNO2, HMnO4, H3PO3, H3PO2,
HIO4, HClO2,
3. Find the total and net ionic equations in case of the following.Balancing is not necessary.
(i) HI(aq) + KOH(aq) --------> KI(aq) + H2O(l)
(ii) NaOH(aq) + HClO4(aq) --------> NaClO4(aq) + H2O(l)
(iii) HNO3(aq) + NH3(g) ----------------> NH4NO3 (aq)
(iv) CuSO4(aq) + H2S(g) ---------------> CuS(s) + H2SO4(aq)
(v) H2SO4(aq) + MgO(s) ------------> MgSO4(aq) + H2O(l)
(vi) Zn(s) + NaOH(aq) --------------> Na2ZnO2(aq) + H2(g)
(vii) Al(OH)3(s) + HBr(aq) ---------> AlBr3(aq) + H2O(l)
(viii) Mn(NO3)2(aq) + Na2S(aq) ---------> MnS(s) + NaNO3(aq)
(ix) Ba(OH)2(aq) + H2SO4(aq) --------------> BaSO4(s) + H2O(l)
(x) H3PO4(aq) + Ca(OH)2 (aq)-----------------> Ca3(PO4)2 (s)+ H2O(l)
(xi) MnO2(s) + HCl(aq) ------> MnCl2(aq) + Cl2(g) + H2O(l)
(xii) KBr(aq) + H2SO4(aq) -------> K2SO4(aq) + Br2(l) + SO2(g) + H2O(l)
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
18 Concepts in Chemistry
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
Logic of Inorganic Reactions 19
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
20 Concepts in Chemistry
RESPONSE TO SAQS
SAQ 1:
(i) Mg2 Cl1 = MgCl2 (ii) Na1 (SO4)2 = Na2SO4
(iii)Ca2 (NO3)1 = Ca(NO3)2 (iv) Fe3 S2 = Fe2S3
(v) Cu2 O2 = CuO (vi) K1 (SO3)2 = K2SO3
(vii)H2SO4 (viii) Al3 (PO4)3 = AlPO4
(ix) Ba2 (O2)2 = BaO2 (x) (NH4)1 (CN)1 = NH4CN
Note that the parenthesis used for SO4 in (ii) has been removed as there is no coefficient
for it. But in (iii) the parenthesis is retained for NO3 as there is a coefficient 2 for it. Similarly
the parentheses have been removed in (vi), (viii), (ix) and (x). If you are not thorough in
writing the formula you first practise in the way shown above i.e first place the valencies at
the top (superscript) and simplify if required and then crisscross them as subscripts to write
the formula.
SAQ 2: ZnCO3, Cu2S, (NH4)2SO4, K2O, HgSO3, FeS, Na2CO3, Ca(NO2)2, SnCl2,
HNO 3
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
Logic of Inorganic Reactions 21
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
22 Concepts in Chemistry
- + + - - +
(ii) TIE: CH3 COO + H + Na + OH CH3 COO + Na + H2 O(l)
NIE: H+ +OH- ----------> H2O(l)
In this case, like the first example shown in the text, H+ ion from acid reacts with OH- ion from
base to form undissociated H2O molecule. In fact this is the net ionic equation for almost all acid-
base(neutralisation) reactions.
(iii) TIE: H+ + NO3- + Cu(OH)2(s) ----------> Cu2+ + NO3- + H2O(l)
In this case, NO3- is the spectator ion which is cancelled from both the sides to get NIE.
NIE: H+ + Cu(OH)2(s) ----------> Cu2+ + H2O(l)
SAQ 8: Refer the solubility rules to verify answer.
(i) HCl(S): All inorganic acids are soluble; (ii)NH4Cl(S): All ammonium salts are soluble
(iii) PbSO4-(I): All sulphates are soluble excepting a few such as PbSO4, SrSO4, BaSO4,
HgSO4, Ag2SO4 which are insoluble.
(iv) Ca(NO3)2- (S): All nitrates are soluble: (v)Hg2Cl2-(I): All chorides are soluble excepting
a few such as Hg2Cl2, AgCl and PbCl2 which are insoluble.
(vi) Na2SO4- (S): All Na salts are soluble; (vii)BaSO4-(I): (viii)K3PO4- (S): All
K salts are soluble; (ix)H3PO4-(S): All inorganic acids are soluble;
(x) CH3COONa-(S): All Na salts and all acetates are soluble.
(xi) AgBr-(I): All bromides are soluble excepting Ag+, Hg22+ and Pb2+.
(xii) Mg(ClO3)2- (S): All chlorates are soluble; (xiii)AgCl-(I)
(xiv) NaClO4-(S): All perchlorates are soluble.
(xv) Bi(NO3)2 - (S): All nitrates are soluble
SAQ 9:
(i) CaF2-(I): All fluorides are insoluble excepting those of Na+, K+, NH4+, Ag+, Tl+
which are soluble.
(ii) Fe(OH)3 -(I): All hydroxides are insoluble excepting those of Na+, K+, NH4+, Ca2+,
Sr2+, Ba2+ which are soluble.
(iii) BeCO3-(S): All carbonates are insoluble excepting those of Na+, K+, NH4+, Be2+
which are soluble.
(iv) CaCO3- (I)
(v) CaS-(S): All sulphides are insoluble excepting Na+, K+, NH4+, Mg2+,Ca2+,Sr2+,Ba2+
which are soluble.
(vi) NaOH-(S)
(vii) NH4F-(S)
(viii) Ca3(PO4)2-(I): All phosphates are insoluble excepting those of Na+, K+, NH4+, Be2+
which are soluble.
(ix) KF-(S)
(x) CuS-(I)
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
Logic of Inorganic Reactions 23
SAQ 10:
(i) TIE: H+ + SO42- + Ca2+ + OH- ---------> Ca2+ + SO42- + H2O(l)
NIE: H+ + OH- -----------> H2O
(ii) TIE: Ag+ + NO3- + Na+ + Cl- -----------> AgCl(s) + Na+ + NO3-
NIE: Ag+ + Cl- ---------> AgCl(s)
(iii) TIE: Na+ + OH- + H+ + PO43- ---------> Na+ + PO43- + H2O(l)
NIE: H+ + OH- ---------> H2O
(iv) TIE: Ba2+ + Cl- + K+ + CrO42- ----------> BaCrO4(s) + K+ + Cl-
NIE: Ba2+ + CrO42- -----------> BaCrO4(s)
(v) TIE: Pb2+ + NO3- + H+ + Cl- ------------> PbCl2(s) + H+ + NO3-
NIE: Pb2+ + Cl- -----------> PbCl2(s)
Note that in all these equations, balancing has not been done.
SAQ 11:
(i) Al3+ + OH- -------> Al(OH)3(s)
(ii) Fe(OH)2(s) + H+ --------> Fe2+ + H2O(l)
(iii) Ca2+ + CO32- --------> CaCO3(s)
(iv) Fe3+ + OH- -----------> Fe(OH)3(s)
(v) H+ + OH- ---------> H2O(l)
In all the above equations the students are advised to write first the total ionic equation(TIE) and
then write net ionic equations(NIE) after cancelling the spectator ions.
SAQ 12:
(i) Zn(s) + H+ ------------> Zn2+ + H2(g)
(ii) Mg(s) + H+ -----------> Mg2+ + H2(g)
(iii) Cu2+ + Zn(s) ---------> Cu(s) + Zn2+
(iv) Al(s) + OH- ---------> AlO2- + H2(g)
(v) OH- + H+ ----------> H2O(l)
SAQ 13:
(i) TIE: K+ + Cr2O72- + H+ + SO42- + Fe2+ + SO42- ---------> Cr3+ + SO42- + K+ + SO42- + Fe3+ + SO42- + H2O(l)
NIE: Cr2O72- +H+ + Fe2+ --------------> Cr3+ + Fe3+ + H2O(l)
Note that we have cancelled all K+ ions and all SO42- ions from LHS and RHS without considering
whether such ions appear same number times in both sides or not. SO42- ions appeared two
times in the LHS while the same appeared three times in the RHS. Even then we cancelled all
of them. This is because we have not balanced the equation and had we balanced the equation,
the number of K+ ions and SO42- ions would have definitely appeared same number of times in
both the sides. Since we are interested only to write the net ionic equations, we tactfully detected
the unimportant(spectator) ions which are not involved in the reaction and cancelled them.
(ii) TIE: Cl2(g) + Na+ + OH- ---------> Na+ + Cl- + Na+ + ClO3- + H2O(l)
NIE: Cl2(g) + OH- ---------> Cl- + ClO3- + H2O(l)
Here also we cancelled one Na+ in LHS and two Na+ in the RHS. To remind you again that we
have not done anything wrong as we merely want the net ionic equation which is not balanced.
It may be remembered here that while cancelling the spectator ions from the two sides the
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
24 Concepts in Chemistry
students should find first the ions which do not take part in the reaction. Then remove them all
without considering how many times they appear in which side.
(iii) TIE: K+ + MnO4- + H+ + SO42- + H2C2O4(s) -------------> K+ + SO42- + Mn2+ + SO42- + CO2(g) + H2O(l)
NIE: MnO4- + H+ + H2C2O4(s) ----------------> Mn2+ + CO2(g) + H2O(l)
Here also we have cancelled SO42- one time from LHS and two times from RHS. Never mind,
we are not going to get a balanced ionic equation now.
SAQ 14: Zero. All of them are in the uncombined elementary state.
SAQ 15: (i) Ca = +2(Since the valency of Ca is 2), (ii) Cl= -1(since the valency of Cl is 1)
(iii) Fe = +2(since valency of ferrous iron is 2), (iv) Cu = +1(since valency of cuprous is 1)
(v) S = -2(since valency of sulphide is 2), (vi) Sn = +2(since valency of stannous is 2)
(vii)Mg = +2(valency of Mg is 2) and N = -3(valency of nitride is 3)
(viii) Hg =+2(valency of mercuric is 2) and I = -1(valency of iodide is 1)
Note that the basic parts have been given +ve charge and acid parts -ve charge.
SAQ 16: +2, +2, -3, +3, +4, -4, +1, +1, -2
SAQ 17: -2, 0 (uncombined state), -2, -1(since it is peroxide: O2 has a charge of -2, so for one
oxygen atom it is -1, refer the valency table), -½ (since it is superoxide: O2 has a charge of -1, so
for one oxygen atom it is -½, refer the valency table),-2
SAQ 18: +1, +1, +1, -1, -1, -1 (since the last three compounds are metallic hydrides)
It is to to be noted that ON always is assigned for one atom, for H2O, the ON of
hydrogen is +1, not +2, similarly for NH3, the ON of H is +1 not +3. But for calculation purpose
when we find the sum of ONs we take +2 and +3 respectively. We shall see this in the SAQ 19.
SAQ 19:
(i) x +2(-2) =0, ⇒ x = +4
(ii) +1+x +3(-2) =0, ⇒ x = +5,
(iii) +2 +x +4(-2)=0, ⇒ x =+6, Note that for one H atom the ON is +1 and so for 2 H
atoms the total ON is +2.
(iv) +1 + x + 4(-2) = 0 ⇒ x = +7
(v) 2x + 5(-2) =0 ⇒ x=+5(note that since there are two P atoms we wrote 2x but ON
of P=x).
(vi) +2 +2x + 7(-2) =0 ⇒ x= +6,(there are two K atoms and each has an ON of +1,
again there are two Cr atoms each has ON of x)
(vii) +1+x+4(-2)=0 ⇒ x= +7
SAQ 20:(A)
(i) x+3=0, ⇒ x= -3 (ii) +1+x+3(-2) = 0, ⇒ x=+5, (iii)x+2(-2)=-1 ⇒ x=+3,
(iv) x+2(-2)=0, ⇒ x=+4, (v) 0(uncombined state) (vi) 2x+5(-2)=0, ⇒ x=+5,
(vii) +7(see SAQ 19), (viii) 2x-14=-2, ⇒ x=+6, (ix) 2x-6=-2, ⇒ x=+2, (x) x-6=-1, ⇒ x=+5
(xi) x+4=+1, ⇒ x=-3, (xii) x-6=-1, ⇒ x=+5 (xiii) For NH4NO3, we have to find separately
for the two N atoms, once taking NH4+(already found in bit xi as -3) and and then taking NO3-
(already found in bit xii as +5). Note that in this compound you should not find a single ON for N
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
Logic of Inorganic Reactions 25
by taking 2x for N, (xiv) x-4=0, ⇒ x=+4, (xv) +3, since the valency of chromic(Cr), a
monoatomic ion is 3, hence its ON has to be +3, (xvi) +1+x-2 =0, ⇒ x=+1, (xvii) x-6=-2, ⇒
x=+4, (xviii) -1(Cl is a monoatomic ion having valency 1, so ON is -1) (xix) +3, Sb(ous) is
a monoatomic ion having valency 3, hence ON +3. (xx) x+3 =0, ⇒ x= -3
(B) (i)(NO3-) 5 (ii) (SO3) 6 (iii)(ClO3-) 5 (iv) (NH3) 3 (v) (N2O5) 5
SAQ 21:
Student is advised to find the ON of the elements marked with asterisk by x method explained
before and then proceed to analyse which is oxidation and reduction.
(i) LHS: Na=0(uncombinded state), H in H2O=+1, RHS: Na in NaOH=+1 and H in
H2=0(uncombinded state)
[O]
0 +1 +1 0
Na + H2O NaOH + H2
(RA) (OA) [R]
In this case Na is oxidised to NaOH and hence acts as reducing agent(RA) while H2O is
reduced to H2 and hence acts as oxidising agent(OA).
(ii) LHS: N in N2 =0(uncombinded state), H in H2=0,RHS: N in NH3= -3, H in NH3=+1
[O]
0 0 -3 +1
N2 + H2 NH3
(OA) (RA) [R]
CuO is reduced to Cu as the ON of Cu decreased from +2 to 0 and hence acts as OA while NH3
is oxidised to N2 as the ON of N increased from -3 to 0, and hence acts as RA.
(v) LHS: H in H2=0, I in I2=0, RHS: H in HI= +1 and I in HI= -1,
[O]
0 0 +1 -1
H2 + I2 [R]
HI ,
(RA) (OA)
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
26 Concepts in Chemistry
In this case Mg is oxidised to MgSO4 and hence is RA while H2SO4 is reduced to H2 and hence
is the OA.
(vii) LHS: N in N2=0, O in O2=0, RHS: N in NO=+2, O in NO= -2
[O]
0 0 +2 -2
N2 + O 2 NO
(RA) (OA) [R]
In this case MnO2 is reduced to MnCl2 as the ON of Mn decreased from +4 to +2, hence it is
OA. HCl is reduced to Cl2 as the ON of Cl increased from -1 to 0, hence HCl is RA.
(x) LHS: Mn in KMnO4=+7, Fe in FeSO4 =+2(valency of ferrous is 2),
RHS: Mn in MnSO4=+2(valency of Manganous is 2), Fe in Fe2(SO4)3=+3(valency of ferric is 3)
[O]
+2 +2 +3
+7
KMnO4 + H2SO4 + FeSO 4 K2SO4 + MnSO 4 + Fe2(SO4)3 + H2O
(OA) (RA) [R]
In this case, FeSO4 is oxidised to Fe2(SO4)3 as the ON of Fe increased from +2 to +3, hence
FeSO4 is the RA. KMnO4 is reduced to MnSO4 as the ON of Mn decreased from +7 to +2,
hence KMnO4 acts as OA.
SAQ 22:
(i) Redox: The ON of H changes from 0 to +1 while Cl changes from 0 to -1
(ii) Metathesis: It is double replacement reaction i.e partners(acid and basic radicals) have
been exchanged. In such reactions, no element undergoes any change in ON.
(iii) Redox: The ON of Cu changes from 0 to +2 while of N changes from +5 to +4.
(iv) Redox: The ON of Na changes from 0 to +1 while of H changes from +1 to 0.
(v) Metathesis: It is also a double replacement reaction: Neutralisation reaction.
(vi) Metathesis: Double replacement reaction.
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
Logic of Inorganic Reactions 27
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
28 Concepts in Chemistry
concept is irrelevant for organic compounds although it can be calculated like inorganic compounds);
BrCl3 : +3( Br is less electronegative than Cl); HIO3: +5; H2[SiF6]: +4; CaNCN: +4(C will
lose two electrons to each N) NaCN: +2 (the ON of C in any cyanide ion is +2)
Ca(OCl)Cl : +1 and -1 respectively from OCl- and Cl-( Note that the average ON of Cl in
CaOCl2 is 0 although in reality there are two types of Cl atoms in the molecule); S2O32- : +2 (but
in reality there are two types of S atoms having ON +4 and 0 respectively so that the average
ON is 0. Note that in the structure of thiosulphate ion there is one S-S linkage which breaks
homolytically to make one S acquire 0 state. More you can know when you study the chapter
chemical bonding)
6.(i) K goes from 0(K) to +1(KOH) and is oxidised while H goes from +1(H2O) to 0(H2) and
thus H2O is reduced. OA: H2O and RA: K
(ii) N goes from -3(NH3) to 0(N2), thus NH3 is oxidised, while O goes from 0(O2) to
-2(H2O), thus O2 is reduced. OA: O2 and RA: NH3
(iii) Na goes from 0(Na) to +1(NaNH2), thus Na is oxidised, while H goes from +1(NH3) to
0(H2), thus NH3 is reduced. OA: NH3, RA: Na
(iv) Ca goes from 0 to +2 while H goes from +1 to 0. Thus OA:H2O, RA:Ca
(v) Al goes from 0(Al) to +3(NaAlO2), thus Al is oxidised, while H goes from +1(NaOH) to
0(H2), thus NaOH is reduced. OA: NaOH, RA: Al
(vi) Zn goes from 0(Zn) to +2(ZnSO4), thus Zn is oxidised, while H goes from +1(H2SO4) to
0(H2), thus H2SO4 is reduced. OA: H2SO4, RA: Zn
(vii) Cu goes from +2(CuO) to 0(Cu), thus CuO is reduced while N goes from -3(NH3) to
0(N2), thus NH3 is oxidised. OA: CuO, RA: NH3
(viii) P goes from 0 to +5 while O goes from 0 to -2.OA: O2 and RA: P4
(ix) H goes from 0 to +1 while Cl goes from 0 to -1. OA: Cl2 and RA: H2
(x) O goes from -1(H2O2) to -2(H2O), thus H2O2 is reduced while S goes from -2(H2S) to
0(S), thus H2S is oxidised. OA: H2O2, RA: H2S
(xi) Br goes from -1 to 0 while Cl goes from 0 to -1. OA: Cl2, RA: FeBr3
(xii) I goes from 0(I2) to -1(NaI), thus I2 is reduced while S goes from +2(Na2S2O3) to
2.5(Na2S4O6), thus Na2S2O3 is oxidised. OA: I2, RA: Na2S2O3
(xiii) Sn goes from +2 to +4 while Hg goes from +2 to +1. OA: HgCl2, RA: SnCl2
(xiv) Cu goes from 0(Cu) to +2[Cu(NO3)2], thus Cu is oxidised while N goes from +5(HNO3)
to +4(NO2), thus HNO3 is reduced. OA: HNO3, RA: Cu
(xv) Mn goes from +7(KMnO4) to +2(MnSO4), thus KMnO4 is reduced while Fe goes from
+2(FeSO4) to +3[Fe2(SO4)3], thus FeSO4 is oxidised. OA: KMnO4, RA: FeSO4
(xvi) Cr goes from +6(K2Cr2O7) to +3[Cr2(SO4)3], thus K2Cr2O7 is reduced, while S goes
from -2(H2S) to 0(S), thus H2S is oxidised. OA: K2Cr2O7, RA: H2S
7. Only the changes in ON have been given. The reader is to assign the OA and RA.
(i) Fe from +3 to 0 and C from +2 to +4
(ii) I from 0 to -1 and S from +2 to +2.5
(iii) Fe from +3 to +2, O from -1 to 0
(iv) Cl from +1 to -1, I from -1 to 0
(v) Pb from +4 to +2, Br from -1 to 0
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
30 Concepts in Chemistry
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
Logic of Inorganic Reactions 31
In this case we found that the change in ON in the RA(NH3) is |-3-(+2)|=5, so 5 is placed as
coefficient before OA(O2)
NH3 + 5 O2 --------> NO + H2O
Look again to the original equation. O goes from 0 to -2. The change is |0-2|=2. This change is
for one oxygen atom. But the OA contains two O atoms(O2), so the total change is 2X2=4.
Thus 4 is placed as coefficient before the RA(NH3). Note that in NH3 there is one N atom, so
the net change is 5. But in O2 there are two O atoms, so the total change is not 2, it is 4.
4NH3 + 5O2 --------> NO + H2O
After this, it becomes extremely easy task to balance by inspection. 4 is to be placed before NO
in RHS to equalise N on both sides. To equalise H, we have to place 6 before H2O. In doing so
we find that O is automatically balanced(10 on either side).
4NH3 + 5O2 --------> 4NO + 6H2O
Now let us know a few rules for balancing an equation by ON method.
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
Logic of Inorganic Reactions 33
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
34 Concepts in Chemistry
balance this type of equation. This is called partial equation method. In this method, the
OA(KMnO4) is split into a few smaller fragments.
KMnO4 ---------> K2O + MnO + [O]
KMnO4 breaks down to oxide of potassium, oxide of manganese (ous) and nascent oxygen[O].
The nascent means freshly born. That means this nascent oxygen is now born freshly to die in
the second step. Note that all the three smaller fragments that are produced from the OA will die
i.e will be used up in the subsequent steps. So that we write a few steps or partial equations.
Note that in each step, the equation has to be balanced by hit and trial method. Then we
shall perform algebraic operation to add all the partial equations. We shall thus cancel those
species which are used i.e which appear in both LHS and RHS by doing algebraic manipulations
and finally get the balanced equation of the original reaction. Let us look to the following equations.
(a) Reactions involving KMnO4
Reactions involving KMnO4 and K2Cr2O7 often take place in presence of an acid, preferably
H2SO4. In the example below, FeSO4 (ferrous sulphate) reacts with acidified KMnO4 to produce
a mixture of potassium sulphate, manganous sulphate, ferric sulphate and water. We know that
here FeSO4 is the reducing agent (RA) and KMnO4 is the oxidising agent(OA).
Let us balance the following reaction by partial equation method.
In this the fragments K2O and MnO produced in the first step are consumed in the second and
third step by reacting with the acid(H2SO4) present in the medium to produce salt and water. In
the fourth step FeSO4(RA) is oxidised to Fe2(SO4)3 by nascent oxygen. Remember that whenever
FeSO4 is oxidised to Fe2(SO4)3, it takes the help of H2SO4. Otherwise the equation cannot be
balanced. Note that before adding all the step equations, we have to see that each individual step
equation is balanced. While adding the four steps, K2O gets cancelled. To cancel 2MnO from
RHS we have to multiply the whole equation of step(3) by 2. Likewise to cancel 5[O] from
RHS, we have to multiply the whole equation of step(4) by 5. After cancellation of K2O, 2MnO
and 5[O] from both the sides, all the species of LHS and RHS are added separately and written
below. Further simplification of this equation, if required, is done like algebraic equation. If H2O
appears on both the sides, then it is removed from one side and excess H2O is only written on the
other side. Similarly any other species, if appears both in LHS and RHS is brought to one side.
Let us take another example on KMnO4.
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
Logic of Inorganic Reactions 35
(ii)
In this case, the first three steps are same as the first example. Only the forth step is different.
The RA is H2S in this case which is oxidised to S. You can always look at the RHS of the original
equation to know what would be the products of each step. While adding the four steps, K2O,
2MnO and 5[O] are cancelled by suitable algebraic manipulations and we get the balanced
equation.
Do you think, that you could have balanced these equations by hit and trial method easily? The
answer is NO. So to conclude, we say that a redox reaction is balanced either by ON method
described before or partial equation method described just now. Note that the partial equation
method is merely a simple technique devised to balance a complex equation in a simple and
economical manner. The actual reaction does not take place in the successive steps as discussed
before. There is nothing called nascent oxygen in this reaction. The nascent atom concept in the
solution is very primitive and has been outdated. The redox reactions truly take place by the loss
and gain of electrons and not by way of the generation of nascent oxygen atoms. But students
are advised to follow this technique to get the balanced equations easily.
(b) Reactions involving K2Cr2O7
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
36 Concepts in Chemistry
In this case K2Cr2O7 is broken into three fragments namely K2O, Cr2O3 and nascent oxygen.
This equation is immediately balanced. Then in step 2 and step 3, the oxides of K and Cr react
with H2SO4 present in the medium to produce the respective salt and water. In step 4, SO2(RA)
reacts with nascent oxgyen[O] to produce SO3. But SO3 is unstable. It immediately reacts with
H2O in the step 5 to produce the corresponding acid, H2SO4. So we find that H2SO4 was used
as a reactant and it is formed also in the product. So we add the five steps by multiplying suitable
coefficients (3) to the step equations 4 and 5, to cancel 3[O] and 3SO3 from the two sides. K2O
and Cr2O3 are also cancelled as such. On addition it gives an equation, which carries H2O and
H2SO4 on either side. So we have to simplify further to get the balanced equation. We find that
in the net balanced equation, H2SO4 has been wiped out from RHS. Don't worry for that. At
times, it happens like that at the last step of simplification.
SAQ 3: Show which is oxidised and which reduced by assigning ONs. Also balance the
equations by partial equation methods.
(i)KMnO4 + H2SO4 + H2C2O4 -----------> K2SO4 + MnSO4 + CO2 + H2O
(ii)K2Cr2O7 + H2SO4 + H2O2 ----------> K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + O2 + H2O
(c) Reactions involving HNO3:
Equations involving HNO3 can also be balanced by partial equation method. Let us take an
example.
HNO3 + Cu -------> Cu(NO3)2 + N2O + H2O
We can balance this equation by Oxidation Number Method as explained before. In partial
equation method, HNO3(OA) is broken down to small fragments i.e an oxide of nitrogen (in this
case N2O), H2O and nascent oxygen[O]. While breaking HNO3, the student is advised to look to
the RHS to know which oxide of nitrogen is to be written.
HNO3 ------> N2O + H2O + [O]
Let us immediately balance it and use [O] to react with Cu(RA) in the second step to give CuO.
Again since the medium is acidic(HNO3), CuO being a basic substance reacts with the acid to
produce salt and water. The partial equations are added up and nascent oxygen atoms are
cancelled to get the balanced equation.
2HNO3 ---------> N2O + H2O + 4[O] (i)
4X [Cu + [O] --------> CuO] (ii) (4 Multiplied to cancel 4[O])
4X [CuO + 2HNO3 -------> Cu(NO3)2 + H2O](iii) (4 multiplied to cancel 4CuO)
_____________________________________
4 Cu + 10HNO3 ------> N2O + 4Cu(NO3)2 + 5H2O` (balanced equation)
Note that the oxide of nitrogen produced in reactions involving HNO3 depends on the type of
HNO3 used. The following gives a list of products formed from HNO3.
Conc. HNO3: NO 2
Moderately concentrated HNO3 : NO
Dilute HNO3: N2O or N2
Very dilute HNO3: NH3( NH3 + HNO3 ------> NH4NO3)
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
Logic of Inorganic Reactions 37
This means that concentrated HNO3 forms nitrogen dioxide gas(NO2), moderately concentrated
HNO3 forms nitric oxide(NO), dilute HNO3 forms nitrous oxide(N2O) or nitrogen(N2) and very
dilute HNO3 first forms NH3 which reacts with HNO3 to form ammonium nitrate(NH4NO3). In
the example given above, the nitric acid used must be dilute as the oxide of nitrogen produced is
nitrous oxide(N2O)
For the purpose of balancing, you do not have to bother all about this. You can know
what is the product just by looking to RHS of a given equation.
SAQ 4: Balance the following by partial equation method.
(i) HNO3 + Zn -------> NH4NO3 + Zn(NO3)2 + H2O
(ii) HNO3 + Mg -------> Mg(NO3)2 + NO + H2O
IMPORTANT: After balancing an equation by any method, check whether the balancing
is correct or not by tallying two sides(LHS and RHS) element by element and atom by
atom. If you find that somewhere it is not tallying, then you have done the steps somewhere
wrong. In such case you revise again to detect your mistake.
(4) ION-ELECTRON METHOD:
This is another interesting technique of balancing redox reactions. This is applied to the ionic
equations(not molecular equations). So if a molecular equation is given to you, first you have to
find the net ionic equation from it and then balance the ionic equation by this technique. Then you
can balance the molecular equation by looking to the coefficients in the balanced ionic equation.
Do you remember how to find the net ionic equation from a molecular equation that you have
studied before?
Example-1
KMnO4(aq) + H2SO4(aq) + FeSO4(aq) ------> K2SO4(aq) + MnSO4(aq) + Fe2(SO4)3(aq) + H2O(l)
Net ionic equation: MnO4- + H+ + Fe2+ -------------> Mn2+ + Fe3+ + H2O
Now the job is to balance this ionic equation. There are rules which we have to follow for doing
that. Carefully read the following.
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
38 Concepts in Chemistry
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
Logic of Inorganic Reactions 39
Since the number of Fe atoms is same on either side, we do not have to put any coefficient on
any side. Since there is no O and H atoms on any side, the addition of H2O and H+ ions are not
to be done. Thus rules (i), (ii) and (iii) are not applicable in this case. Only we shall apply the last
rule(iv), i.e equalisation of charge by adding electrons. In this case one electron has to be added
in the RHS to equalise the charge on both sides(+2).
Fe2+ --------> Fe3+ + e-
Thus we found that in oxidation process, electron appears in RHS as oxidation is the process
in which electron is lost.
Now we have to add the two steps (reduction and oxidation) and cancel the electrons from both
the sides by doing suitable algebraic manipulations and get the balanced ionic equation.
MnO4- + 8 H+ + 5e----------> Mn2+ + 4H2O
5X [Fe2+ -------------------> Fe3+ + e-] (5e are cancelled on both sides)
_______________________________________________________________
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
40 Concepts in Chemistry
Now there are 14 H atoms excess in RHS, we have to add 14 H+ ions in LHS.
Cr2O72- + 14 H+-------> 2Cr3+ + 7 H2O
LHS contains +12 charge(-2+14) and RHS contains +6(2X3) charge. So we have to add
6 electrons on LHS to equalise the charge on both sides(+6).
Cr2O72- + 14 H+ + 6e--------> 2Cr3+ + 7 H2O
Oxidation step:
NO2- has been oxidised to NO3-. Let us write them and apply the same set of rules for balancing
them.
NO2- ----------> NO3-
N atoms are same in number, so we do not have to do anything. There is one excess O atom in
RHS, so we have to add one H2O molecule in LHS.
NO2- + H2O ----------> NO3-
By doing so, now 2 H atoms are in excess in LHS, and so we have to add 2 H+ ions in RHS.
NO2- + H2O ----------> NO3- + 2 H+
Now equalisation of charge is made by adding 2 electrons in the RHS, so that the net charge is
-1 on both the sides.
NO2- + H2O ----------> NO3- + 2 H+ + 2e-
Now we have to add the two steps and cancel the electrons.
Example 3 :
Cu2O + H+ + NO3- ----------> Cu2+ + NO + H2O
First identity which is reduced and which is oxidised. Cu2O is oxidised to Cu2+ as the ON of Cu
increases from +1(Cu2O) to +2 in Cu2+. NO3- is reduced to NO as the ON of N is decreased
from +5(NO3-) to +2(NO).So let us start with oxidation step. Note that you can start from any
step you like, not necessarily always with reduction or oxidation.
Oxidation step:
Cu2O ---------> Cu2+
Equalise the Cu atoms by placing the coefficient 2 in RHS.
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
Logic of Inorganic Reactions 41
0 +5 - +7 -
- -
Br2 + IO3 + OH Br + IO4 + H2O
This reaction has been carried out in alkaline medium as we find OH- in LHS. Note that in
alkaline medium, OH - has to appear either in LHS or RHS.
Rules:
Let us take the oxidation step first and see the rules which are to be applied.
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
42 Concepts in Chemistry
Oxidation step:
By this method, we can know the coefficients of both LHS and RHS species which we cannot
know by the usual ON method discussed earlier.
Example:
Cl2 + NaOH → NaCl + NaClO3 + H2O
(i) First assign the ON of atoms undergoing changes.
(ii) Select only the atoms(not the molecule or ion) of each side with their ONs which
suffer change and develop oxidation and reduction steps as you did in ion-electron method.
Here addition of H+, OH- or H2O is not done.
0 +5
Oxidation : Cl Cl
0 -1
Reduction: Cl Cl
(iii) Balance the charge on the two sides of each equation by adding required number of
electrons(e-) on one of the sides as we did in the last step for balancing by ion-electron
method. Then add the two equations by cancelling the electrons from both the equation.
Thus we get the electron- balance diagramme.
0 +5 -1
Cl Cl + 5 e
0 -1
-1
Cl + e Cl X 5
0 +5 -1
6 Cl Cl + 5 Cl (electron balance diagramme)
(iv) Now we have to balance the molecular equation by looking to the coefficients in the
electron balance diagramme. Let us develop a part balanced molecular equation from
this.
3 Cl2 -------> NaClO3 + 5 NaCl
Then the total equation can be balanced by mere inspection.
3 Cl2 + 6 NaOH ------> NaClO3 + 5 NaCl + 3 H2O
SAQ 7: Balance by electron-balance diagramme technique of ON method.
(i) K2Cr2O7 + HCl ------> KCl + CrCl3 + Cl2 + H2O
(ii) FeS2 + O2 -----> Fe2O3 + SO2
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
1. Balance the following ionic equations by ion-electron method. Wherever
necessary add H2O molecule in the equation.
(i) NO3- + Fe2+ + H+ -------> Fe3+ + NO2 + H2O
(ii) NH3 + MnO4- + OH- ---------> MnO2 + NO2
(iii) Fe3+ + H2O2 -------> Fe2+ + O2 (acidic medium)
iv) Cr(OH)2 + I2 + OH- --------> Cr(OH)3 + I-
(v) C2O42- + H+ + Cr2O72- --------> CO2 + Cr3+ + H2O
(vi) MnO4- + H+ + I- ------> Mn2+ + I2 + H2O
(vii) S2O32- + I2 --------> S4O62- + I-
(viii) OCl- + H+ + I- ---------> I2 + Cl-
(ix) Cl2 + IO3- ----> IO4- + Cl- (alkaline medium)
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
44 Concepts in Chemistry
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
Logic of Inorganic Reactions 45
5. Get the net ionic equation and balance by ion-electron method. From the
balanced ionic equation, balance the molecular equation.
(i)K4[Fe(CN)6](aq) + HCl(aq) + H2O2(l) ---------> K3[Fe(CN)6](aq) +
KCl(aq) +H2O(l)
(ii)N2H4 (l)+ K3[Fe(CN)6](aq)------> N2 (g)+ K4[Fe(CN)6](aq) + H2O(l)
(alkaline medium)
(iii)C2H2 (g)+ KMnO4(aq)------> MnO2(s)+ K2C2O4(aq)+ KOH(aq) +H2O(l)
(iv)HgCl2(aq)+ SnCl2(aq)------------> Hg2Cl2(s)+ SnCl4(aq)
(v)NaNO3(aq) + Zn(s) + NaOH(aq) -----> NH3(g) + Na2ZnO2(aq) + H2O(l)
(vi)HgS(s) + HNO3(aq) + HCl(aq)------> S + H2[HgCl4](aq) + NO(g) + H2O(l)
(vii) K2Cr2O7(aq) + H2SO4(aq)+KNO2(aq) ----------> K2SO4(aq)+ Cr2(SO4)3(aq)+
KNO3(aq)+ H2O(l)
(viii) K2Cr2O7(aq)+ H2SO4(aq)+H2S(g) ------->K2SO4(aq)+ Cr2(SO4)3(aq)+ S + H2O(l)
(ix) K2Cr2O7(aq)+ H2SO4(aq)+H2C2O4(s)-----> K2SO4(aq)+ Cr2(SO4)3(aq)+ CO2(g)+ H2O(l)
(x) Cu(s) + HNO3(aq) ---------> Cu(NO3)2(aq)+ NO(g) + H2O(l)
(xi) Fe(s) + HNO3(aq)---------> Fe(NO3)2(aq)+ N2O(g)+ H2O(l)
Supplimentary Questions:
1. Balance by any one method: (either by ion-electron or ON method)
(i) CuS(s) + HNO3(aq) ------> Cu(NO3)2(aq) + S + H2O(l) + NO(g)
(ii) As2S5(s)+ HNO3(aq) -------> H3AsO4(aq)+ H2SO4(aq)+ H2O(l) + NO2(g)
(iii) Zn(s) + HNO3(aq) --------> Zn(NO3)2(aq) + H2O(l) + NH4NO3(aq)
(iv) Na2C2O4(aq) + KMnO4(aq) + H2SO4(aq) -----> K2SO4(aq) +MnSO4(aq) +
CO2(g)+ Na2SO4(aq) + H2O(l)
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
46 Concepts in Chemistry
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
Logic of Inorganic Reactions 47
RESPONSE TO SAQs
SAQ 1: Balance the following reactions:
(i) 3Ca(OH)2 + 2H3PO4 ---------> Ca3(PO4)2 + 6 H2O
(ii) ZnO + H2SO4 -------> ZnSO4 + H2O
(iii) FeCl2 + H2S -------> FeS + 2HCl
(iv) P2O5 + 3H2O -------> 2H3PO4
(v) 2NH4Cl + Ca(OH)2--------> CaCl2 + 2NH3 + 2H2O
SAQ 2:
-1 +6 0 -2
(i) KI + H2SO 4 I2 + K2SO4 + H2S + H2O
(KI is RA and H2SO4 is OA)
The change in ON in RA = |-1-0| = 1, so 1 is the coefficient before OA(H2SO4). 1 is not written
because if no other coefficient is placed, then the coefficient 1 is understood to be present.
The change in ON in OA = |+6-(-2)| = 8, so 8 is to be placed before KI(RA)
8KI + H2SO4 ---------> I2 + K2SO4 + H2S + H2O
Then hit and trial. To equalise I, we have to place 4 before I2 in RHS and to equalise K, we have
to place 4 before K2SO4.
8KI + H2SO4 ---------> 4I2 + 4K2SO4 + H2S + H2O
Let us equalise S now. The number of S atoms in RHS is 5, so 5 is placed as coefficient before
H2SO4 in LHS. Note that the coefficient 1 that was found in the first case is now revised to 5.
8KI + 5H2SO4 ---------> 4I2 + 4K2SO4 + H2S + H2O (Revised coefficient of H2SO4)
To equalise H now, we have to place 4 before H2O. Thus we see that by doing so, O is
automatically balanced(20 O in either side).
8KI + 5H2SO4 ---------> 4I2 + 4K2SO4 + H2S + 4H2O (balanced equation)
Just imagine that had you not adopted this technique, could you have balanced this equation by
hit and trial method? The answer may be YES. But in that case you would have taken a very
long time to do so. Therefore you are advised not to take an attempt to balance a redox reaction
by hit and trial method if it appears to be little tough. Always make use of this ON method.
0 +5 +5 +4
(ii) I2 + HNO3 HIO3 + NO2 + H2O (I2 is RA and HNO3 is OA)
The change in ON per one I = |0-5| =5, so for two I atoms present in the RA(I2), the total change
is 10. So 10 is placed as coefficient before HNO3(OA).
The change in ON of N = |+5-(+4)| =1, and since there is one N atom in HNO3, the total change
is also 1. So 1 is to be placed as the coefficient of I2 and therefore it is left as such.
I2 + 10HNO3 --------> HIO3 + NO2 + H2O
To equalise N, we place 10 before NO2 in RHS and to equalise I, we place 2 before HIO3 in
RHS.
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
48 Concepts in Chemistry
The change of ON in Cu(RA) is 2 and in HNO3(OA) is 3. So first 2 is placed before HNO3 and
3 placed before Cu. Then hit and trial starts. To equalise Cu, we have to place 3 before Cu(NO3)2.
By doing so the total number of N atoms in RHS is 7. So we have to revise the coefficient of
7
HNO3 in the LHS and place 7 in place of 2. Then to equalise H, we have to place 2 before
H 2 O.
7
3 Cu + 7 HN O 3 3 Cu(NO 3)2 + N O + 2 H2O
In so doing we found that O could not be balanced. 21 O are on LHS and 22.5 on RHS. So in
such case we have to re-revise the coefficient of NO. Note that we cannot do any change in Cu
and Cu(NO3)2. So we place 2 before NO and accordingly change HNO3 and H2O. For that we
revise the coefficient of HNO3 from 7 to 8 to equalise 8 N atoms on either side. Then to equalise
H we place 4 before H2O. Now we find that O atoms are automatically balanced on either side.
So the balanced equation is
3 Cu + 8 HNO3 3 Cu(NO3 )2 + 2 NO + 4 H2O (balanced equation)
SAQ 3:
(i)
In this case also the first three steps are same as done in the example in the text. In the forth step
H2C2O4(oxalic acid) reacts with nascent oxygen to form CO2. The question is how shall you
know this? This is very simple. You merely look to the RHS, you can know the products
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
Logic of Inorganic Reactions 49
immediately. Can you indicate now which is oxidised and which reduced. Mn has ON +7 in
KMnO4 and +2 in MnSO4, so KMnO4 has been reduced. While the ON of C in H2C2O4 is
+3(find it by x method)and it is +4 in CO2. So H2C2O4 has been oxidised. So which is OA and
RA? You can better say that now.
(ii)
In this case too, the product in the 4th step(H2O2 reacting with [O]) is known just by looking at
the RHS. It is O2. The other product has to be H2O to balance H. This is known from mere
common sense.
In this case K2Cr2O7 is the OA as the ON of Cr is +6 and it is reduced to +3 in Cr2(SO4)3. H2O2
is the RA as the ON of O is -1(peroxide) and it is oxidised to 0 in O2 of RHS.
SAQ 4: (i) In this case the HNO3 used must be very dilute type as NH4NO3 is produced.
HNO3 + H2O --------> NH3 + 4[O] (i)
[NH3 + HNO3 --------> NH4NO3
4X [Zn + [O] ------> ZnO] (ii) (4 multiplied to cancel [O])
4X [ZnO + 2HNO3 --------> Zn(NO3)2 + H2O] (iii) (4 multiplied to cancel 4 ZnO)
_________________________________________
4Zn + 10HNO3 -------> 4Zn(NO3)2 + NH4NO3 + 3H2O (balanced equation)
Note that in step (i) H2O appears in LHS, otherwise you cannot balance the equation,remember
this.
(ii) In this case the HNO3 used must be moderately concentrated as NO is produced.
2HNO3 ----------> 2NO + H2O + 3[O]
3X[Mg + [O]---------> MgO ]
3X[MgO + 2HNO3 ---> Mg(NO3)2 + H2O ]
_____________________________________
3Mg + 8HNO3 -------> 3Mg(NO3)2 + 2NO + 4H2O (balanced equation)
SAQ 5:
3X [H2SO4 ------> SO2 + H2O + [O]] (3 multiplied to cancel 3[O])
2Al + 3[O] -----> Al2O3
Al2O3 + 3H2SO4 --------> Al2(SO4)3 + 3H2O (Al2O3 get cancelled)
______________________________________________
2Al + 6H2SO4 -------> Al2(SO4)3 + 3SO2 + 6H2O (balanced equation)
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
50 Concepts in Chemistry
SAQ 6:
Net ionic equation: CrO42- + Cu2O(s) + H2O(l) ------> Cu(OH)2(s) + CrO2- + OH-
Note that this reaction has been carried out in alkaline medium as OH- is present in the RHS.
Could you find which is oxidised and which reduced? K2CrO4 has been reduced to CrO2- because
the ON of Cr had decreased from +6 to +3. Cu2O has been oxidised to Cu(OH)2 as the ON of
Cu has increased from +1 to +2. So let us take the steps separtely and apply the rules.
Reduction step:
CrO42- --------> CrO2-
Cr atoms are same, so no coefficient is to be placed in any side.
Then 2 H2O molecules are to be added on RHS as LHS has 2 excess O atoms.
CrO42- --------> CrO2- + 2H2O
-
Then 4OH are to be added on RHS and 4 H2O to be added on LHS as RHS has 4 excess H
atoms.
CrO42- + 4 H2O --------> CrO2- + 2H2O + 4OH-
Then equalisation of charge is done by adding 3 electrons in LHS so that the charge on either
side becomes -5.
CrO42- + 4 H2O + 3e---------> CrO2- + 2H2O + 4OH -
Oxidation step:
Cu2O --------> Cu(OH)2
First we have to place a coefficient of 2 in RHS to equalise Cu atoms.
Cu2O --------> 2Cu(OH)2
Since in LHS there is one O atom and in RHS there are 4 O atoms, RHS has 3 excess O atoms.
So we have to add 3 H2O molecules on LHS
Cu2O + 3 H2O --------> 2Cu(OH)2
Now let us find how many H atoms are excess in which side. LHS contains 2 excess H atoms.
So we have to add 2 OH- on LHS and 2 H2O molecules on RHS.
Cu2O + 3 H2O + 2OH- --------> 2Cu(OH)2 + 2H2O
Then charge equalisation is made by adding 2 electrons on RHS, so that both sides have -2
charge.
Cu2O + 3 H2O + 2OH- --------> 2Cu(OH)2 + 2H2O + 2e-
Let us add now the two steps.
2 X [CrO42- + 4 H2O + 3e- --------> CrO2- + 2H2O + 4OH- ]
3X [Cu2O + 3 H2O + 2OH- --------> 2Cu(OH)2 + 2H2O + 2e-] (6 electrons are cancelled)
______________________________________________________
2CrO42- + 17H2O + 6OH- + 3Cu2O --------> 2CrO2- + 10 H2O + 6Cu(OH)2 +8OH-
On further simplification we get,
2CrO42- + 7H2O + 3Cu2O --------> 2CrO2- + 6Cu(OH)2 + 2 OH -
SAQ 7:
+6 -1 +3 0
(i) K2Cr2O7 + HCl KCl + CrCl3 + Cl2 + H2O
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
Logic of Inorganic Reactions 51
+6 +3
-1
Reduction Cr + 3 e Cr
-1 0
Oxidation Cl
-1
Cl + e X 3
+6 -1 +3 0
Cr + 3 Cl Cr + 3 Cl (electron balance diagramme)
Looking to 2 Cr atoms in K2Cr2O7, let us multiply the above equation by 2 throughout
+6 -1 +3 0
2Cr + 6 Cl
2Cr + 6 Cl
So we can develop a part balanced molecular equation,
K2Cr2O7 + 6 HCl ------> 2 KCl + 2 CrCl3 + 3 Cl2
But equation is not yet balanced and one more product is missing(H2O). Since HCl is used
both as a reducing agent(RA) and an acid to form salt, more number of Cl- ions are required
and so the coefficient of HCl has to be changed. First for equalising O atoms on both the sides,
7 is placed as the coefficient of H2O and accordingly to balance H atoms, the coefficient of
HCl is changed to 14.
K2Cr2O7 + 14 HCl -----> 2 KCl + 2CrCl3 + 3 Cl2 + 7 H2O
(ii)
+2 -1 0 +3 -2 +4
FeS2 + O2 Fe2O3 + SO2
Here there are two oxidations i.e Fe2+ is oxidised to Fe3+ and S-1 is oxidised to S+4. Note that
in iron disulphide(called iron pyrite or fool's gold) Fe is in the +2 state and sulphide is a
disulphide(belongs to polysulphide category) in which S is in -1 state. We get the net oxidation
step by adding the following two oxidation steps.
Oxidation:
+2 +3
-1
Fe Fe + e
-1 +4
-1
2S 2S + 10e
+2 -1 +3 +4 -1
Fe + 2S Fe + S + 11 e
Note that we multiplied the 2nd oxidation step by 2 to get the ratio of Fe and S equal
to 1:2 to agree with the formula of iron dilphide.
0 -2
Reduction: O+2e O
-1
Adding the oxidaton and reduction steps by cancelling 22 electrons on either side, we get,
0 +2 -1 -2 +3 +4
11 O + 2 Fe + 4 S 11 O + 2 Fe + 4 S (electron balance diagramme)
Looking to the electron balance diagramme, we can balance the molecular equation,
2 FeS2 + 11/2 O2 ------> Fe2O3 + 4 SO2
To eliminate fraction, we multiply the equation by 2 throughout
4 FeS2 + 11 O2 ------> 2 Fe2O3 + 8 SO2
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
52 Concepts in Chemistry
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
56 Concepts in Chemistry
(ii)
(iii)
(iv) Try this by partial equation method in the similar manner as shown above.
2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 + 5H2S -------> K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 5S + 8H2O
(v) 2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 + 5H2C2O4 ----> K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 10CO2 + 8H2O
(vi)
(vii) Try this by partial equation method of your own and check with the answer.
K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4 + 3H2O2 -------> K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 3O2 + 7H2O
(viii) K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4 + 3KNO2 ------> K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 3KNO3 + 4H2O
(ix) K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4 + 3H2S --------> K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 3S + 7H2O
(x) K2Cr2O7 + 4H2SO4 + 3H2C2O4-------> K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 6CO2 + 7H2O
(xi)
(xii) Try yourself and check. 4Fe + 10 HNO3 ---------> 4Fe(NO3)2 + N2O + 5H2O
(xiii)
Note that whenever you find a reaction involving conc. H2SO4, the first step is the breaking
down of H2SO4 giving SO2, H2O and nascent oxygen atom.
4.(i) Reduction step: S2O82- + 2e ----------> 2SO42- (O changes from -1 to -2)
Oxidation step: 2X[Ce3+ ----------------> Ce4+ +e]
_________________________
S2O82- +2Ce3+ ------> 2SO42- + 2Ce4+
(ii) Reduction step: 2X[NO3- + 4H+ + 3e---------> NO + 2H2O]
Oxidation step: 3X[ Cu2O + 2H+---------------------> 2Cu2+ + H2O +2e]
________________________________________
3Cu2O + 14H+ +2NO3- --------> 6Cu2+ + 2NO + 7H2O
(iii) Reduction step: 2X[MnO4- +4H2O +3e----------> MnO2 + 2H2O + 4OH-]
3 X[SO32-+H2O+2OH- ----------------> SO42- + 2H2O+2e]
______________________________________________
2MnO4- + H2O + 3SO32- --------> 2MnO2 + 2OH- + 3SO42-
(iv) Reduction step: 5X[S2O82- + 2e---------------> 2SO42-]
Oxidation step: 2X[ Mn2+ +4H2O -------------------> MnO4- + 8H+ +5e]
__________________________________________
5S2O82- + 2Mn2+ + 8H2O ----------> 10SO42- + 2MnO4- + 16H+
(v) Reduction step: Cr2O7 +14H+ + 6e---------> 2Cr3+ + 7H2O
2-
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
58 Concepts in Chemistry
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
Logic of Inorganic Reactions 59
Dr. S. S.Tripathy
60 Concepts in Chemistry
Supplimentary Questions:
1. Do these preferably by ON method and check with the answers given below.
(i) 3CuS + 8HNO3 ------> 3Cu(NO3)2 + 3S + 4H2O + 2NO
(ii) As2S5+ 40HNO3-------> 2H3AsO4+ 5H2SO4+ 12H2O + 40NO2
(iii) 8Zn + 20HNO3 -----> 8Zn(NO3)2 + 6H2O+ 2NH4NO3
(iv) 5Na2C2O4 + 2KMnO4 + 8H2SO4 -----> K2SO4 +2MnSO4 +
10CO2+ 5Na2SO4 + 8H2O
(v) 2MnO + 5PbO2 + 10HNO3 -----> 2HMnO4 + 5Pb(NO3)2 + 4H2O
(vi) 6Na2HAsO3 + 2KBrO3 + 12HCl -----> 12NaCl + 2KBr + 6H3AsO4
(vii) 4FeS2 + 11O2 ------> 2Fe2O3 + 8SO2
(viii) Ca(OCl)2 + 4KI + 4HCl ----> 2I2 + CaCl2 + 2H2O + 4KCl
(ix) 2NaOCl + 2NaOH + Bi2O3 ----> 2NaBiO3 + H2O + 2NaCl
(x) Sn + 4HNO3 ----> SnO2 + 4NO2 + 2H2O
+3 -1 0 +6 +7 -1
(xi) CrI3 + KOH + Cl2 K 2Cr2O 7 + KIO 4 + KCl + H2O
There are two oxidations and one reduction in this reaction. Let us balance it by electron-
balance diagramme method.
+3 +6
oxidation: 2 Cr 2 Cr + 6 e-
-1 +7
6I 6 I + 48 e-
+3 -1 +6 +7
2 Cr + 6 I 2 Cr + 6 I + 54 e-
0 -1
reduction: Cl + e - Cl X 54
+3 -1 0 +6 +7 -1
2 Cr + 6 I + 54 Cl 2 Cr + 6 I + 54 Cl
2CrI3 + 27Cl2 + 62KOH -------> K2Cr2O7 + 6KIO4 + 54KCl + 31H2O
+2 +7
Oxidation: Mn Mn + 5e
-1 +5
2 Br 2 Br + 12 e
+2 +7
-1 +5
Mn + 2 Br Mn + 2 Br + 17 e X 2
+4 +2
Reduction: Pb + 2 e Pb X 17
+2 +7 +5 +2
-1 +4
2 Mn + 4 Br + 17 Pb 2 Mn + 4 Br + 17 Pb
Balanced equation:
2 MnBr2 + 17 PbO2 + 30 HNO3 → 2 HMnO4 + 2 Pb(BrO3)2 + 15 Pb(NO3)2 + 14 H2O
All inorganic reactions fall into any one of the following two categories.
(i) Non-Redox(Metathesis) (ii)Redox
(A) NON-REDOX(METATHESIS) REACTIONS:
The reaction in which there is no change of Oxidation Number(ON) of any element is
called a metathesis reaction.Some common metathesis types of reactions are discussed below.
(i) Double Replacement (Ion Exchange) Reaction:
This involves the reaction between two substances (which are mostly soluble in water)
in which the basic and acid parts (radicals) of two substances get exchanged. That means the
basic part of one substance joins with the acid part of the other substance and vice versa.
Double Replacement reaction is again of two types.
(a)neutralisation(acid-base reaction) reaction
(b)precipitation reaction
Neutralisation: An acid reacts with a base(alkali) to produce a salt and water. The sour
taste of acid and bitter(soda like) taste of alkali kill each other and a salty taste is found in the
product.
NaOH + HCl --------> NaCl + H2O
KOH + H2SO4 --------> K2SO4 + H2O
Ca(OH)2 + HNO3 --------> Ca(NO3)2 + H2O
In all these cases you find that the ON of none of the elements has undergone any change. So
these are metathesis reactions.
IMPORTANT: Note that in this chapter, you do not have to balance any equation. Our purpose
is to know what products are formed during a reaction and why they are formed. In other
words, we have to develop the logic of the reaction as to why a particula set of products are
formed and why not any other products are formed. So you are categorically advised not to
balance the equations throughout this chapter.
Precipitation: When two soluble substances undergo double replacement reaction and
one of the products is insoluble and appears as a precipitate, it is called precipitation reaction.
Look to this example.
AgNO 3 + HCl AgCl + HNO 3
Here in this double replacement reaction, AgCl appears as a curdy white precipitate. Therefore
it is called a precipitation reaction.
Let us take some more examples.
Al2(SO4)3 + NH4OH Al(OH)3 + (NH4)2SO4
CaCl2 + (NH4)2CO3 CaCO3 + NH4Cl
CuSO4 + H2S CuS + H2SO4
There are however some reactions which belong both to neutralisation as well as precipitation.
See this example.
62 Concepts in Chemistry
* NO2 and ClO2 although are nonmetallic oxides form two acids each and therefore these
oxides are called mixed acid anhydrides. These reactions are not metathesis reactions. They
belong to redox type of reactions which we shall discuss later.
**These are oxides of a metalloid(As) and metals (Mn, Cr) which are also acidic. These
are given in the above table alongwith nonmetallic oxides
EXCEPTIONS: Note that there are few nonmetallic oxides like CO, NO, N2O which are
neutral. They do not produce any acid when react with water. In fact they do not react with
water.
SAQ 4: Write the missing species of the following reactions. Also see that if the ON of some
element is changing or not? Pick up the underlined element and find its ON on both the
sides. Indicate the ON of that element on both the sides to confirm that it is a metathesis
reaction.
(i)P2O5 + H2O ---->? (ii) N2O5 + H2O -----> ? (iii) ? + H2O ----> H3PO3
(iv) ? + H2O -----> HClO (v) N2O3 + H2O -------? (vi)Cl2O5 + H2O ----->?
(vii)? + H2O ---->HMnO4 (viii)Cl2O7 + H2O----->? (ix)CrO3 + H2O ------->?
SAQ 5: Write the products of the following reactions and indicate the changes in ON. Are
these metathesis reactions?
(i)NO2 + H2O ----->? (ii)ClO2 + H2O -------> ?
SAQ 6: Write the anhydrides of the following acids:
H2SO4, HNO2, HClO, H2CO3, HClO4
Dr. S. S. Tripathy
64 Concepts in Chemistry
(iv) Amphoterism:
Substance which reacts both with acid and base is called an amphoteric substance. Oxides and
hydroxides of a few metals such as Zn, Al, Sn, Pb, Cr, As, Co, Sb, Be, Si are amphoteric in
nature. For example, ZnO can react with acid and in this reaction ZnO plays the role of a base to
form salt and water.
ZnO(base) + HCl(acid) ------------> ZnCl2 + H2O
ZnO also can react with a strong base like NaOH or KOH to form salt and water. Here ZnO
plays the role of an acid. Note that in such a case the acid radical of the salt contains Zn. Do you
remember an acid radical which contains Zn? Yes, it is zincate(ZnO22-). The salt produced is
sodium zincate.
NaOH(base) + ZnO(acid) --------> Na2ZnO2 + H2O
The following table gives a list of the amphoteric metal ions and the names (and formulae) of
the acid radicals formed from them.
SAQ 8: Write the products of the following reactions. Use the above table for this. Give the
ON of the metal on either side to confirm that the reaction is metathesis type.
(i) Al(OH)3 + KOH ------->? (ii)SnO + NaOH --------->?
(iii) PbO + NaOH --------->? (iv)SnO2 + KOH --------->?
SAQ 9: Find the mistake in the following equations.(Hint: The formula is wrong somewhere)
(i) Zn(OH)2 + NaOH ------> NaZnO2 + H2O (ii)CoO + KOH ----->K3CoO2 + H2O
(iii) Al2O3 + NaOH ------> Na2AlO2 + H2O (iv)SnO + NaOH -----> Na2SnO3 + H2O
(v) Reactions of carbonates, bicarbonates, sulphites, bisulphites, thiosulphates,
sulphides and nitrites with dilute mineral acids
When any one of the above mentioned salts reacts with dilute acids, effervescence
takes place producing a gas. Effervescence is the process of evolution of gas bubbles with
hissing sound. Carbonate and bicarbonate salts give CO2 gas; sulphite, bisulphite and thiosulphate
salts give SO2 gas while sulphide salt gives H2S gas. Thiosulphate salt produce element sulphur
alongwith SO2 gas. See these examples.
Na2CO3 + HCl -----------> NaCl + CO2 + H2O
CaSO3 + H2SO4 ----------> CaSO4 + SO2 + H2O
K2S2O3 + HCl -------------> KCl + SO2 + S + H2O
(Note that although the above reaction appears to be redox reaction, in the true sense it
is a metathesis reaction. There are two types of S atoms in thiosulphate ion namely ON 0 and +4
which are retained in the products)
ZnS + H2SO4 ---------------> ZnSO4 +H2S
In all these cases no element suffers any change in ON. These are therefore metathesis reactions.
Nitrite salts produce N2O3 gas which decomposes at room temperature to give both NO
and NO2. While NO2 is a reddish brown gas, NO is colourless. Looking to the ultimate products
formed at room temperature in this reaction it belongs to the redox type, although the orignial
reaction at low temperature(<00C)is metathesis.
Dr. S. S. Tripathy
66 Concepts in Chemistry
SAQ 12: What are the products obtained by heating the following substances?
(i)MgCO3 --------->? (ii)KHCO3 --------->? (iii)Li2CO3
(viii) Decomposition of ammonium salts by a base(alkali):
When any ammonium salt is heated with a base(alkali), NH3 gas is evolved. Remember that
you have to heat the reactants.
NH4Cl + NaOH -----heat---------> NH3 + NaCl + H2O
(NH4)2SO4 + Ca(OH)2 ----heat--------> NH3 + CaSO4 + H2O
In all these cases the ON of N remains same(-3) so also the ON of all other elements.
SAQ 13: What products will be obtained in the following reactions.
(i)NH4Cl + CaO --heat--->? (ii)(NH4)2CO3 + KOH --heat---->?
(iii)NH4Br + Ba(OH)2 --heat---->? (iv)(NH4)2SO4 + NaOH --heat--->?
(ix) Thermal decomposition of hydroxides:
Excepting hydroxides of Na, K, Rb and Cs, other hydroxides on strong heating decompose to
form the corresponding oxides by losing water.
Al(OH)3 ------heat----> Al2O3 + H2O; Ca(OH)2 -----heat----> CaO + H2O
LiOH --------> Li2O + H2O
SAQ 14: Write the products obtained by heating the following.
(i)Be(OH)2 (ii)Mg(OH)2 (iii)Cr(OH)3 (iv)KOH
(x) Displacement of more volatile acid by a less volatile acid:
Look to the following reactions.
NaNO3 + H2SO4 -----heat-----> Na2SO4 + HNO3
When a mixture of nitrate salt and conc. sulphuric acid is strongly heated and distilled we get
nitric acid in the distillate. This is because, nitric acid is a more volatile acid(lower boiling
point) and is displaced by a less volatile acid, sulphuric acid(higher boiling point) from the salt
of the more volatile acid(nitrate). Sulphuric acid cannot be prepared by this method by heating
a sulphate salt with conc. HNO3, because a more volatile acid HNO3 cannot displace a less
volatile acid H2SO4 from the salt of the latter.
K2SO4 + HNO3 ------heat------> KNO3 + H2SO4 (not possible)
SAQ 15: Give the products of the following:
(i)NaCl + H2SO4(conc.) ------->?(ii)KNO3 + H2SO4(conc.) ----->?
(xi) Complexation reactions:
Radicals like [Fe(CN)6]4-, [Ag(CN)2]-, [Ag(NH3)2]+ etc. are called complex ions which are
parts of compounds called complex or coordination compounds. Complex radicals, by convention,
are written inside a square bracket. There are two types of species inside the complex ion-
(i) one is the metal ion (ii) and the others are ligands. In ferrocyanide ion, Fe2+ is the metal ion
and 6 CN- ions are ligands. Hence the net charge of the complex is 4-. Similarly in diammine
Dr. S. S. Tripathy
68 Concepts in Chemistry
silver(I) complex[Ag(NH3)2]+, Ag+ is the metal ion and two neutral NH3 molecules are ligands.
The detailed study on complex compounds will not be done in this book.
All complexation reactions belong to metathesis type in which there is no change in ON of any
element. Look to these examples.
AgCl + 2 NH3 ( 2NH4OH) ---------> [Ag(NH3)2]Cl (silver diammine chloride) (+ 2H2O)
Fe(CN)2 + 4 KCN ---------> K4[Fe(CN)6](potassium ferrocyanide)
Fe(CN)3 + 3 KCN ---------> K3[Fe(CN)6](potassium ferricyanide)
HgI2 + 2KI -----------> K2[HgI4] (potassium mercuric iodide)
AgCN + KCN --------> K[Ag(CN)2] (potassium argentocyanide)
CuSO4 + 4NH3 (4NH4OH) ------> [Cu(NH3)4]SO4 (+4 H2O) (cuprammine sulphate)
Ni + 4 CO-----------> [Ni(CO)4] (nickel tetracarbonyl)
Cu2(CN)2 + 6KCN -----> 2K3[Cu(CN)4] (potassium cuprocyanide)
SiF4 + 2HF ------> H2[SiF6] (hydrofluosilicic acid)
In all these cases the two reactants get added up to form a complex molecule. The names of
complex compounds given inside parenthesis are their common names. The systematic IUPAC
names are not given here.
(B) REDOX REACTIONS
Reaction which involves changes in ON is called redox reactions. One reactant is oxidised and
is called the reducing agent(RA)and other gets reduced and is called the oxidising agent(OA).
We have worked with a large number of redox equations in the previous sections. You know
that oxidation and reduction go together. In other words one process cannot occur without the
occurrence of the other. Let us take the example to demonstrate this. Often when a student is
asked to write the products of the reaction, MnO2 + HCl---->?, they answer,
MnO2 + HCl ----> MnCl2 + H2O. This is wrong. Look to the changes in the ON.
+4 -1 +2 -1
MnO 2 + HCl MnCl2 + H2O
While the ON of Mn is reduced from +4 to +2, nowhere there is oxidation. This is not possible.
So the prediction is wrong. Another product is missing. It is Cl2. So that the ON of Cl is increased
from -1 to 0. MnO2 is the OA and HCl is RA.
+4 -1 +2 0
MnO 2 + HCl MnCl2 + H2O + Cl2
This is called studying the logic of a reaction. The cover page of this book carries this message.
If you have not marked it in the cover page, see it now. Every reaction has a logic i.e we can
explain why these products are obtained. Often there is a feeling that the hundreds and thousands
of chemical reactions are to be memorised in an unintelligent manner. This is wrong. We shall,
in this book, try to learn the logic at each step and try to disprove the above notion about
chemical reactions.
Now the question arises how shall you know, just by looking to the reactants, whether the
reaction will be a redox type or a metathesis type? We list a few clues for the students to guess
whether a reaction belongs to redox category or not.
(i) First check that the reaction does not fall into any of the eleven metathesis reactions
cited before. If not, then it could be a redox reaction.
For example, if the reaction is: AlP + H2O----> ? . This cannot be a redox reaction as we know
that this belongs to a metathesis type under the head, "hydrolysis of nitride, phosphide, carbide etc".
(ii) If one of the reactants is not soluble in water(not assigned with aq. symbol) and hence
does not produce ions, the reaction might be a redox type. In other words if you find at
least one of the reactants is a gas(g), liquid(l) or solid(s), the reaction can be a redox
type.
NH3(g) + CuO(s)------>
This cannot be metathesis as the reactants are gas and solid and it does not belong to any
category of metathesis reactions studied before. Hence it has to be a redox reaction.
(ii) If one of the reactants remains in the uncombined state(elemental) state, the reaction
belongs to redox type.
Cl2(g) + NaOH(aq) ---->?
In this case one of the reactants Cl2 is in the uncombined state. So it has to be a redox reaction.
CuO + H2 -----> ?, This reaction also has to be a redox reaction as one of the reactants
is in uncombined state(H2).
So intelligently you have to first ensure whether the reaction could be metathesis or redox. If
metathesis then predict the products as per the discussion made in the previous section on
metathesis reaction. But what could be the products if it is a redox reaction? How can you guess
the products? We shall discuss this aspect little later. Before that we discuss some special types
of redox reactions which bear special names. Note that a majority of redox reactions have no
special names and simply are branded as redox reactions. But some few belong to specific
classes of redox reactions. These are discussed below.
(i) Displacement Reaction:
In this reaction, one element displaces another from its salt. Let us take metal displacement
first. In the example below, you will find that Zn can displace Cu from CuSO4, but the reverse
reaction is not possible, i.e Cu cannot displace Zn from ZnSO4.
Ex. Zn + CuSO4 -------------> ZnSO4 + Cu
Dr. S. S. Tripathy
70 Concepts in Chemistry
Since Mg lies above H, it can displace hydrogen gas from HCl whereas Cu lies below H,
therefore it cannot displace hydrogen gas from HCl. That is why we have written 'No Reaction'.
METAL ACTIVITY SERIES
Li > K >Cs > Ba > Ca > Na > Mg > Al > Mn > Zn > Cr > Fe > Cd > Co > Ni > Sn >
Pb > H > Sb > Bi > As > Cu > Hg > Ag > Pd > Pt > Au
(NB. Many uncommon metals have not been included in the above series)
The first six metals given in this series upto Na are so reactive that they liberate hydrogen gas
even from cold water. Then the other members after Na i.e starting from Mg upto Cd, can
displace H2 from boiled water or steam(not cold water) and sometimes the metal is to be
heated to red hot conditions. The metals lying after Cd upto Pb are not active to the extent of
displacing hydrogen from water in any condition, whether cold or hot. They can displace hydrogen
only from dilute acids. Note that all metals lying above hydrogen can displace hydrogen from
dilute acids.
SAQ 16: Give the conditions of the reaction and predict the products.
(i)Ca + H2O ----->? (ii)Mg + H2O ------->? (iii)Fe + H2O------->
(iv)Sn + H2O ------->? (v)Al + H2O-------->
SAQ 17: Predict the products:
(i)Ni + HCl ----->? (ii)Ag + HCl ------->? (iii)Zn + HBr------->
(iv)Fe + HCl -------->? (v)Hg + HCl ----->?
Besides CO, other vapours like formaldehyde, methyl alcohol etc. are also produced in some
cases.
(iii) Synthesis Reaction:
When two elements directly combine to form a compound, it is called a synthesis reaction.
Mg + Cl2 --------------> MgCl2
In this example, the ON of Mg of changes from 0 to +2, while the ON of Cl changes from
0 to-1.
H2 + Cl2 ------------> HCl
SAQ 20: Give the synthesis reaction for the formation of the following compounds. Show
the changes in ON in each case.(Balancing the equation is not necessary)
(i)NH3 (ii)CO2 (iii)PCl3 (iv)H2O
Dr. S. S. Tripathy
72 Concepts in Chemistry
[O]
+5 -2 -1 0
KClO3 KCl + O2
[R]
Here the same substance KClO3 gets oxidised and reduced. O is oxidised from -2 to 0 and Cl is
reduced from +5 to -1. Let us take another example of the second type.
Cl2 + NaOH -------> NaCl + NaClO + H2O
Here the same substance and the same element Cl gets oxidised(from 0 to +1 in NaClO) as well
as reduced (from 0 to -1 in NaCl). Hence both types of reactions shown above belong to this
type of reaction called disproportionation. In such reactions, we do not specify which is oxidising
agent(OA) and which reducing agent(RA) becasue the same species is OA and RA. Let us
take few more examples.
HI -------> H2 + I2 (H is reduced from +1 to 0 while I oxidised from -1 to 0)
Pb(NO3)2 -----> PbO + NO2 + O2(N reduced from +5 to +4 and O oxidised from -2 to
0)
SAQ 21: Write the products of the following reactions. Show the changes in ON. What type
of redox reaction is this?
(i)NO2 + H2O ------->? (ii)NO2 + NaOH ----->?
(iii)ClO2 + H2O ----->? (iv)NaOH + ClO2 ------->?
In this case the ON of N changes from +5(NaNO3) to +3(NaNO2) and that of O changes from
-2 to 0. LiNO3 is an exception to this behaviou which on heating gives Li2O, NO2 and O2 like
other nitrates.
Note that all thermal decomposition(analysis) reactions(under redox category)as explained
above are also disproportionation reactions. The same substance gets oxidised as well as
reduced.
Decomposition of NH4NO2 and NH4NO3:
These two compounds when strongly heated leave no residue. All the products are gaseous
and escape out of the reacting vessel. For all these, you have to remember a trick. Remove
the maximum number of water molecules from them, whatever residual formula remains,
that is the other gaseous product formed.
NH4NO2 -------> 2H2O + N2
In this case, after removing 2H2O molecules, we are left with N2 gas. The ON of N changes
from -3(NH4+) to 0(N2) and also from +3(NO2-) to 0. It is also a disproportionation reaction.
NH4NO3----------> 2H2O + N2O
After removing 2H2O molecules, we are left with the laughing gas, N2O. This is also a
disproportionation reaction, in which the ON of N changes from -3(NH4+) to +1(N2O) and from
+5(NO3-) to +1.
SAQ 22: What happens when:
(i)A mixture of NaNO2 and NH4Cl solution is heated.
(ii)A mixture of NaNO3 and NH4Cl solution is heated.
SAQ 23: Indicate which are synthesis, analysis and disproportionation reactions.Show the
changes in ON in each reaction.
(i)HgO ---heat-----> Hg + O2 (ii) Hg + O2 ------> HgO
(iii)KMnO4 --heat----->K2MnO4 + MnO2 + O2 (iv)Cu + O2 ------> Cu2O
SAQ 24: Show the changes in ON in the following disproportionation reactions.
(i)Pb(NO3)2 ------>PbO + NO2 + O2 (ii)NaNO3 ---------> NaNO2 + O2
(iii) P4 + NaOH ------> PH3 + NaH2PO2 (iv)Cl2 + NaOH--> NaClO3 + NaCl + H2O
(vi)Amphoterism:
You remember that in the metathesis reactions we studied a phenomenon called amphoterism.
The oxides and hydroxides of a few metals such as Al, Zn, Sn, Pb etc. reacted both with strong
acids and strong bases to produce salt and water. Here we also study amphoterism, but this is
redox amphoterism. In this case, in stead of metallic oxide or hydroxide, we take the metal and
allow it to react with strong base like NaOH or KOH. We get the same salt(known from the
table given in metathesis amphoterism reaction). But we get H2 gas instead of H2O. Thus it
becomes a redox reaction.
0 +1 +2 0
Zn + NaOH Na2ZnO 2 + H2
We get sodium zincate and hydrogen gas. You can see the ON changes that take place in the
Dr. S. S. Tripathy
74 Concepts in Chemistry
above reaction. Just think what we would have got if ZnO would have been taken instead of Zn.
ZnO + NaOH -------> Na2ZnO2 + H2O (metathesis)
We would have got the same sodium zincate but instead of H2 we get H2O in such case.
SAQ 25: Predict the product in the following reactions. Also show the changes in ON.
(i) Al + NaOH + H2O ------> (ii)Sn + KOH ----->
(iii) Pb + NaOH ------> (iv)Si + NaOH ------>
Before prediction, you should be sure that the reaction given is either a metatheis
reaction or a redox reaction. Because these are the only two types of reactions possible. When
you look to the reactants, first ensure whether it belongs to any of the categories of metathesis
reactions that we had studied before or not.
(i) If both the reactants are soluble in water(associated with aq. symbol, otherwise you
have to see the solubility rules): they will go for double replacement reaction often
resulting precipitaion.
AgNO3(aq) + HCl(aq) -------> AgCl(s) + HNO3(aq)
(ii) If one reactant is an acid and the other reactant is a base(oxide or hydroxide of metal),
then it will be neutralisation reaction(under double replacement type) to produce salt
and water, irrespective of whether one of the reactants is soluble in water or not.
MgO(s) + H2SO4(aq) --------> MgSO4 + H2O(l)
Here we find that even though one of the products is insoluble(s), it forms the products, salt and
water.
(iii) If one of the reactants is an oxide or hydroxide of an amphoteric metal like Al, Zn, Sn
etc. and the other is a strong base like NaOH/KOH, then the reaction is
metathesis(Amphotersism).
ZnO + KOH -------> K2ZnO2 + H2O
(iv) If one reactant is a non-metallic or a soluble metallic oxide and the other reactant is
water, we get the corresponding acid or alkaline hydroxide(metathesis reaction)
respectively.
N2O5 + H2O -----> HNO3
CaO + H2O --------> Ca(OH)2
(v) If one reactant is a carbonate/bicarbonate or sulphite/bisulphite/thiosulphate or sulphide
or a nitrite and the other is an acid: In such case we get CO2, SO2 ,H2S and NO2(alongwith
NO) gas respectively and those are under metathesis reaction.
CaCO3 + HCl --------> CO2 + CaCl2 + H2O
Na2SO3 + H2SO4 -------> Na2SO4 + SO2 + H2O
ZnS + HCl ------> ZnCl2 + H2S
(vi) If one reactant is a metallic nitride, phosphide, carbide or sulphide and the other is water:
then it is the hydrolysis reaction producing NH3, PH3, CH4(or C2H2) and H2S respectively.
Mg3N2 + H2O -----> Mg(OH)2 + NH3
AlP + H2O -------> PH3 +Al(OH)3 and so on.
(vii) If one reactant is ammonium salt and the other reactant is an alkali/base; such mixture
on heating will produce NH3 gas.
NH4Cl + NaOH ---heat------> NH3 + NaCl + H2O
(some students write NH4OH + NaCl as products which is not wrong, but on heating
NH4OH produces NH3 and H2O)
(i) The reaction should not belong to any of the metathesis reactions cited above.
(ii) One of the reactants may exist in the gaseous(g), liquid(l) or solid(s) state.
Example : NH3(g) + CuO(s) ------> ?
In this case you find that the reactants are in gaseous and solid state, so it has to be a redox
reaction.
Once you ascertained that the reaction is a redox type then your work is to assign the
ON of the elements in the reactants. Then you have to guess which element will undergo change
in ON and to what values.
In the above example, the ON of N is -3 in LHS and it has to increase as it cannot
decrease below -3. The ON of Cu is +2 in LHS and it has to decrease. Note that the increase and
decrease of ON usually takes place via zero state. Although there are many exceptions, but
students always should first think of the product to come to zero ON. So the products in this
case are N2 and Cu in which both remain in zero oxidation state. Note that H and O will react to
form water and thus they will not undergo any change in ON.
[R]
-3 +2 0 0
NH3 + CuO N2 + Cu + H2O
[O]
IMPORTANT: Prediction of products can be made only for simple reactions with logic. But
for many other complex reactions, prediction is not possible. However when the products are
known the logic of the reaction can be studied. Once the logic is known it becomes easy to
remember the products.
Now we shall have to predict a large number of simple reactions giving proper logic. For the first
Dr. S. S. Tripathy
78 Concepts in Chemistry
few reactions the products are given, you are required to put forth the logic i.e to say whether it
is metathesis or redox? If metathesis, then to which category of the metathesis reaction does it
belong and if it is redox, then you have to show the oxidation and reduction processes by indicating
the changes in ON of elements. The beginners are required to answer the questions again and
again in regular intervals to build up more confidence. The equations are not balanced and you
are not required to balance them either.
SET-I:
(i)CuO + H2SO4 ------> CuSO4 + H2O (ii)N2 + H2 ---------------> NH3
(iii)TiCl4 + Mg --------> Ti + MgCl2 (iv)FeS + H2SO4 --------> FeSO4 + H2S
(v)N2O3 + H2O ---------> HNO2
Response:
(i) Metathesis: Neutralisation(Acid +Base)
(ii) Redox(synthesis):N from 0 to -3 and H from 0 to +1
(iii) Redox: Displacement; Mg is more active than Ti
(iv) Metathesis: reaction of sulphide with dil. mineral acid
(v) Metathesis: Reaction of nonmetallic oxide with water
SET-II:
(i)CuCO3 -----heat----> CuO + CO2 (ii)H2 + Cl2 ------> HCl
(iii)Na + HCl -------> NaCl + H2 (iv)KOH + HNO3 ------->KNO3 + H2O
(v)Na2O + H2O -------> NaOH
Response:
(i) Metathesis: Thermal decomposition of carbonate
(ii) Redox: H from 0 to +1 adn Cl from 0 to -1
(iii)Redox: Na from 0 to +1 and H from +1 to 0.
(iv)Metathesis: Neutralisation(acid + base)
(v)Metathesis: Reaction of metallic oxide with water
SET-III:
(i)SnO+ H3PO4 ------->Sn3(PO4)3 + H2O (ii)ZnO + NaOH -----> Na2ZnO2 +
H 2O
(iii)Na2SO3 + HCl ----->NaCl + SO2 + H2O
(iv)Pb(NO3)2 ---heat-----> PbO + NO2 + O2 (v)C2H6 + O2 -------->CO2 + H2O
Response:
(i) Metathesis: Neutralisation
(ii) Metathesis: Amphoterism
(iii) Metathesis: reaction of sulphite salt with dilute acid
(iv) Redox: (Analysis as well as disproportionation reaction)N from +5 to +4 and O
from -2 to 0.
In the following SAQs(SAQ 26-32), the products are not given. You are required to
predict the products in a logical basis and indicate the main type of reaction (metathesis
or redox) and the sub type to which it belongs. You are also required to show the
changes in ON for a redox reaction. Indicate the metathesis reaction by the symbol, M
and redox reaction by symbol, R.
SAQ 26:
(i)N2O5 + H2O -------->? (ii)Ba(OH)2 + HNO3 ------>?
(iii)Zn(OH)2 + KOH ------>? (iv)AgNO3 + NaBr----->?
(v)Na2CO3 + H2SO4 ----------?
Hints: (i) M, Reaction of nonmetallic oxide with water
(ii) M: Neutralisation
(iii) M: Amphoterism
(iv) M: Double Replacement,
(v) M: Liberation of CO2 from a carbonate salt
SAQ 27:
(i)BaCl2(aq) + H2SO4(aq) ------>? (ii)K2O + H2O-------?
(iii)K+ H2O ------->? (iv) Zn + HCl ------>?
(v)CO2 + H2O ------->?
Hints: (i) M: Double replacement(precipitation)
(ii) M:reaction of metalic oxide to form hydroxide
(iii) R: Displacement, K is more active than H.
(iv) R:Displacement
(v) M:Reaction of nonmetallic oxide with water
SAQ 28:
(i)Cu + ZnSO4 ------->? (ii)Al(OH)3 + H2SO4 ------>?
(iii)SnO + NaOH ---->? (iv)H2 + I2 ------->? (v)MgS + HCl ----->?
Hints: (i) Cu is less active than Zn (ii) M:Neutralisation
(iii) M: Amphoterism (iv) R: synthesis
(v) M: reaction of sulphide salt with dilute acid
SAQ 29:
(i)Zn + KOH ----->? (ii)CaCl2(aq) + (NH4)2CO3(aq)--------> ?
(iii)SO2 + H2O ------>? (iv)NH3 + O2 ------->?
(v)Ca(OH)3+H3PO4 ---->?
Hints: (i)Amphoterism(redox) (ii)M:double replacement
(iii)M:reaction of nonmetallic oxide with water
(iv)R: N will go from -3 to 0 and O from 0 to -2 (v)M: Neutralisation
SAQ 30:
(i)ZnCl2(aq) + NH4OH(aq) ------->? (ii)P2O5 + H2O -----?
(iii)Mg3N2 + H2O ------->? (iv)NaHCO3 ----heat----->?
(v)H2O2 + H2S ------>?
Dr. S. S. Tripathy
80 Concepts in Chemistry
(iii) M:the corresponding acid will be form which will react with base to
form the salt and water
(iv) R: Ca will displace H.
(v) M: NH3 being basic substance will react with acid to form salt
SAQ 35:
(i)KOH + SnO -------> (ii)PbO + H2SO4----->? (iii)Pb + NaOH ------>?
(iv)Ca(NO3)2 ------heat---->? (v)As(NO3)3(aq) + H2S(aq)------>?
Hints: (i)M:Amphoterism (ii)M:Neutralisation
(iii)R: Amphoterism (iv)R:Decomposition of nitrates
(v)M:Double Replacement
SAQ 36:
(i)Fe(OH)3 + HNO3 ------->? (ii)N2O5 + KOH ----->?
(iii)Na2O + H2O ------->? (iv)K + H2SO4(dil) ------->?
(v) P4 + O2------->?
Hints: (i) M:Neutralisation
(ii) Acid of N2O5 will be formed which reacts with KOH to form the salt.
(iii) M: Reaction of metallic oxide withe water
(iv) R: Displacement
(v) R: synthesis
SAQ 37:
(i)Ba(NO3)2(aq) + Na3PO4(aq) ------->? (ii)NO2 + H2O ------->?
(iii)NaNO3 ----heat--->? (iv)NH3 + H2SO4 -------->?
(v)FeSO3 + HCl ------->?
Hints: (i)M:Double Replacement (ii)R:NO2 is a mixed anhydride
(iii)R:Thermal decompostion of Na,K nitrates
(iv)M: salt formation
(v)M:reaction of sulphite salt with acid
SAQ 38: Indicate the mistakes if any with proper reasoning.
(i)Mg(NO3)2 -------> Mg(NO2)2 + O2 (ii)PbO2 + HBr ------> PbBr2 + H2O
(iii)FeCl3 + H2S -------> FeS + HCl (iv)Ag + HCl -------> AgCl + H2
(v)CuSO4 + K4[Fe(CN)6] ------> Cu[Fe(CN)6]2 + K2SO4
Hints: (i) Decompostion of Na, K nitrates takes place in that manner. Other nitrates
produce the reddish brown gas.
(ii) The ON of Pb has decreased from +4(PbO2) to +2(PbBr2), then where is
the oxidation? So one more product is missing which is formed by the
oxidation of HCl.
(iii) It is a redox reaction, Fe changes from +3 to +2 and S from -2 to 0.
(iv) Ag lies below H in the metal activity series
(v) The formula of cupric ferrocyanide is wrong
SAQ 39: Indicate the mistakes if any with proper reasoning.
(i)Na2O + H2O ------> NaOH + H2 (ii)Al2O3 + NaOH -------> Na2AlO2 + H2O
(iii)N2O3 + H2O ----->HNO3 (iv)Sb(NO3)3 + H2S -------> SbS + HNO3
(v)(NH4)2SO4 + NaOH ----heat----> N2 + Na2SO4 + H2O
Hints: (i)the ON of H has decreased from +1 to 0 and nowhere there is oxidation.
(ii)M:Formula of sodium metaaluminate is wrong. Al should be in +3 state
(iii)The ON of N is increased from +3 to +5 while there is no reduction.
(iv)M:The formula of antimonous sulphide is wrong
(v)M:ammonium salt reacts with alkali to give NH3 not N2.
Dr. S. S. Tripathy
82 Concepts in Chemistry
Dr. S. S. Tripathy
84 Concepts in Chemistry
69. MnO2 + H2SO4 ----------> MnSO4 + O2 + H2O (R) (Mn: +4 to +2; O:-2 to 0)
70. KMnO4 +H2SO4 ---------> K2SO4 + MnSO4 + O2 + H2O (R) ( Mn: +7 to +2; O: -2 to 0)
71. Na2O2 + H2O ------->NaOH + O2 (R): O:-2 to 0; O: -1 to -2)
72. Fe3O4 + HCl -------> FeCl2 + FeCl3 + H2O (M): Fe3O4 (FeO.Fe2O3)contains both Fe+2
and Fe+3)
73. PbS + O3 ---------> PbSO4 + O2 (R) (S: -2 ro +6; O: 0 to -2: note that O2 is merly an
additional product)
74. O3 + S + H2O ---------> H2SO4 + O2(R) (S: 0 to +6; O: 0 to -2)
75. K2S + 4S --------> K2S5 (R) (S:-2 to -2/5; S: 0 to -2/5)
76. CuS + HNO3(dil.) ------> Cu(NO3)2 + NO + S + H2O (R) (S: -2 to 0; N:+5 to +2)
77. Na2S5 + HCl --------> NaCl + H2S + S (R) (opposite of eq. 75)
78. CaSO4 + C --------> CaO + SO2 + CO2 (R) (S: +6 to +4; C: 0 to +4)
79. SO2 + H2O + FeCl3 ---------> FeCl2 + H2SO4 + HCl (R) (S: +4 to +6; Fe: +3 to +2)
80. KIO3 + H2SO3 --------> KHSO4 + H2SO4 + I2 + H2O (R) (I: +5 to 0; S: +4 to +6)
81. KClO3 + H2SO4(conc.) ------> KHSO4 + HClO4 + ClO2 + H2O (R-Dispropr. Cl:+5 to +7;
Cl:+5 to +4)
82. K2S2O8 + KI ---------> K2SO4 + I2 ( R) (O: -1 to -2; I: -1 to 0) peroxydisulphate has a
peroxy group)
83. Na2S2O3 + I2 --------> Na2S4O6 + NaI (R) (S:+2 to +2.5; I: 0 to -1)
84. FeSO4 ----heat-----> Fe2O3 + SO2 + SO3 (R) (Fe: +2 to +3; S:+6 to +4)
85. Na2S + Na2SO3 + I2 ------> Na2S2O3 + NaI (R) (S: -2 to +2; S: +4 to +2 and I: 0 to -1)
86. F2 + NaOH -----> NaF + OF2 + H2O (R) (F: 0 to -1; O: -2 to +2)
87. ClO2 + NaOH ---------> NaClO2 + NaClO3 + H2O (R- dispropr.) Cl: +4 to +3; Cl: +4 to
+5)
88. Ca(OCl)Cl + HCl -------> CaCl2 + Cl2 + H2O (R) (Cl: +1 to 0; Cl: -1 to 0)
89. HClO3 --------> HClO4 + O2 + Cl2 + H2O (R-dispropr. Cl: +5 to +7; O: -2 to 0; Cl: +5 to 0)
90. F2 + H2O --------> HF + O2 + O3 (R) (F: 0 to -1; O: -2 to 0)
91. NaBiO3 + MnSO4 + HNO3 --------> HMnO4 + Bi(NO3)2 + H2SO4 + H2O (R) (Bi: +5 to
+3; Mn: +2 to +7)
92. Bi(OH)3 + Na2SnO3-----------> Bi + Na2SnO3 + H2O (R) (Bi: +3 to 0; Sn: +2 to +4)
93. Zn + NaNO2 + NaOH ---------> Na2ZnO2 + NH3 + H2O (R) (Zn: 0 to +2; N: +3 to -3)
94. K2CrO4 + H2SO4 --------> K2Cr2O7 + K2SO4 + H2O (M)
95. HgI2 + 2KI --------> K2[HgI4] (M- Complexation)
96. CuSO4 + K4[Fe(CN)6] --------> Cu2[Fe(CN)6] + K2SO4 (M)
97. K2Cr2O7 + HCl ----------> KCl + CrCl3 + Cl2 + H2O (R) (Cr:+6 to =3; C: -1 to 0)
98. K2Cr2O7 + H2SO4 + H2O2 ------> K2SO4 + CrO5 + H2O (M)
99. K2Cr2O7 + KCl + H2SO4 -------> K2SO4 + CrO2Cl2 +H2O (M)
100. CrO2Cl2 + NaOH ------> Na2CrO4 + NaCl + H2O (M)
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
50 reactions are given below in each set. You are required to predict the products with
proper reasoning, giving its type(sub-type if any) and for redox reaction, you have to show the
changes in ON.
LEVEL-I
SET-I
1. FeS + H2SO4(dil)-------> 2. CO2 + H2O------->?
3. Cr(OH)3 + H2SO4 ------->? 4. Na + H2O ------->?
5. CaO + H2O ------->? 6. BaCO3 + HCl ------>?
7. Ca3N2 + H2O ----->? 8. NH4Cl + CaO ---heat---->?
9. Cu + AgNO3 ------>? 10. Cl2 + KI ------>?
11. NH3 + HCl ----->? 12. N2O5 + H2O ------->?
13. Pb(CH3COO)2(aq) + K2CrO4(aq)------>?
14. CaCO3 ----heat---->? 15. Na2SO3 + dil. H2SO4 ------>?
16. Al + HCl ------->? 17. AgNO3(aq) + NaCl(aq)------>?
18. Al4C3 + H2O ------>? 19. CrCl3(aq) + NH4OH(aq) ------>?
20. PbO2 ----heat ----->? 21. SO3 + NaOH------->?
22. Cu + Zn(NO3)2 ------->? 23. Mg + HCl ------>?
24. MnCl2(aq) + H2S(aq)---->? 25. H2 + I2 ------->?
26. C2H6 + O2 ------->? 27. Ca + H2O------->?
28. Al + Cl2 ------>? 29. Pb(NO3)2-----heat----->?
30. Ca(OH)2 + H2SO4 ------>? 31. NH4NO2 ---heat---->?
32. Mg + SO2 ------->? 33. K2CO3 + H2SO4(dil)------->?
34. PbO + HBr ------>? 35. AlP + H2O ------->?
36. KClO3 ----heat---->? 37. (NH4)2SO4 + KOH ----heat----->?
38. Al(OH)3 + NaOH------>? 39. Hg2(NO3)2(aq) + HCl(aq) ----->
40. Fe2O3 + H2SO4 ------>? 41. KNO3 -----heat----->?
42. Fe(red hot) + H2O(steam)----->? 43. Hg(NO3)2(aq) + H2S(aq)------>?
44. NaOH + SnO ------->? 45. Al + Fe2O3 ------>?
46. SO2 + H2O------->? 47. Br2 + KCl ------->?
48. CaCl2(aq) + (NH4)2C2O4(aq)------>?
49. MnO2 + HBr ----heat--->? 50. H2O2 + H2S ------->?
SET-II
1. N2O3 + H2O-------->? 2. Fe2(SO4)3(aq) + NH4OH(aq)------>?
3. CO2 + Ca(OH)2------->? 4. NaNO3(aq) + H2SO4(conc.)----->?
5. Sn(OH)2 + KOH------->? 6. P2O5 + NaOH------->?
7. Ca3N2 + H2O------>? 8. Ca(NO3)2--------->?
9. K2O + H2O-------->? 10. K + H2O--------->?
11. FeSO4 + H2SO4 + H2O2------->? 12. MnO + HNO3 -------->?
13. BiCl3(aq) + H2S(aq)-------->? 14. Zn + KOH------>?
15. NH4Br + KOH ----heat---->? 16. Hg + CuSO4 ------->?
Dr. S. S. Tripathy
86 Concepts in Chemistry
LEVEL-II
SET-I:
1. S+O2---------->? 2. BaCO3------heat--->?
3. PbS+O2-------->? 4. Pb(NO3)2(aq)+HCl(aq)------>?
5. HI +H2O2------>? 6. N2O3 + NaOH---->?
7. Al(OH)3+NaOH------>? 8. NaOH+HNO3----->?
9. ZnO + C-------->? 10. CaO + H2O----->?
11. BaO2 + H2SO4 ------->? 12. TiCl4+Mg------>?
13. Cr(OH)3+ H2SO4------>? 14. Ba(OH)2+CH3COOH------>?
15. ZnO+KOH-------->? 16. Sn+ KOH-------->?
17. PbO2-----heat---->? 18. HBr + O3 -------->?
19. Cu + H2SO4(conc.)------->? 20. Cu + HNO3(conc.)-----?
21. Sr(NO3)2(aq) + CaSO4(aq)---->? 22. HgO + H2------>?
23. HNO3(conc) + C ------->? 24. P2O5 + KOH----->?
25. PbO2 + HCl----->? 26. MgO + H3PO4------>?
27. AlP + H2O----->? 28. CaC2 + H2O----->?
29. H2S + SO2 ------->? 30. SnO2 + HCl------>?
31. Al2S3 + H2SO4 ------->? 32. BaO + O2 -------->?
33. NaHCO3 ------heat----->? 34. KNO3 -----heat----->?
35. (NH4)2CO3 + NaOH----heat---? 36. NH4NO3----heat---->?
37. Al + NaOH +H2O----->? 38. Pb3O4 + HCl------>?
39. Pb + HBr------>? 40. Br2 + NaCl----->?
41. Cr(NO3)2(aq) + NaOH(aq)----->? 42. I2O5+H2O------->?
43. MnCl2 + H2S------>? 44. NH3 + H2SO4 ------->?
45. HNO3(conc)+H2S------>? 46. Zn + CuSO4 ------>?
47. NH3(excess)+ Cl2------>? 48. Fe(red hot)+H2O(steam)------>?
SET-III:
1. Na2O2 + H2SO4 ------> 2. (NH4)2S2O8 + 2H2O ------->
3. FeSO4 + H2SO4 + H2O2 -----> 4. Ag2O + H2O2 -------->
5. Cl2 + H2O2 ------> 6. PbS + H2O2 -------->
7. BeCl2 + Na ------> 8. B + NaOH ------>
9. Si + NaOH -----> 10. S + NaOH ------>
11. Zn(OH)2 + KOH -----> 12. NaOH + NaHCO3 ------>
13. NaNH2 + C --------->? 14. NaNH2 + H2O------->
15. I2 + NaOH(hot and conc.)------> 16. Ca3N2 + H2O ----->
17. BeO + NaOH-----> 18. Be2C + H2O ------->
19. CaCO3 + CO2 + H2O -----> 20. Ca(HCO3)2(aq) ---heat---->
21. MgH2 + H2O -----> 22. CaF2 + H2SO4 ----->
23. Al4C3 + H2O ------> 24. B2O3 + KOH ----->
25. SiCl4 + H2O ------> 26. BF3 + H2O ------>
27. H3BO3 ----heat---> 28. B2O3 + K ------>
29. P4O6 + KOH -------> 30. Al2O3+C + N2 ----->
Dr. S. S. Tripathy
88 Concepts in Chemistry
RESPONSE TO SAQs
SAQ 1:
(i) NaOH + H2SO4 -----> Na2SO4 + H2O (The formula of sodium sulphate is Na2SO4)
(ii) Ba(OH)2 + H3PO4 -------> Ba3(PO4)2 + H2O(The formula of barium phosphate is not
BaPO4)
(iii) CrCl3 + NaOH --------> Cr(OH)3 + NaCl (The formula of chromic hydroxide and sodium
chloride are wrong in the question)
(iv) Bi(NO3)2 + H2S ------> Bi2S3 + HNO3(The formula of Bismuth sulphide and nitric acid
are wrongly written in the question).
SAQ 2: The symbol (s) is given for the product which is formed as insoluble precipitate.
(i)Pb(NO3)2 + NaCl -------> PbCl2(s) + NaNO3 (P)
(ii)BaCl2 + K2CrO4 -------> BaCrO4(s) + KCl (P)
(iii)KF + CaCl2 -------> CaF2(s) + KCl (P)
(iv)Pb(CH3COO)2 + H2S ---->PbS(s) + HCH3COO( more correctly CH3COOH) (P)
(v)Ba(NO3)2 + K2CO3 ------>BaCO3(s) + KNO3 (P)
(vi)FeCl3 + NH4OH ----->Fe(OH)3(s)+ NH4Cl (P)
(vii)NaOH + H3PO4 ----->Na3PO4 + H2O (N)
(viii)HNO3 + Al2O3 ----->Al(NO3)3 + H2O (N)
(ix) MgO + H2SO4 -------> MgSO4 + H2O (N)
(x) Cr2O3 + H3PO4 ------->CrPO4(s) + H2O (B)
SAQ 3:These are all neutralisation reactions of a base NH3 or NH4OH with an acid to give salt.
When we take NH4OH we get water besides the salt but when we take NH3 we get only the salt.
(i)(NH4)2SO4 + H2O (ii)(NH4)2SO4 (iii)NH4Cl + H2O
(iv)NH4Cl (v)NH4NO3
SAQ 4: All these are metathesis reactions and ON does not change.
(i)H3PO4 (ON=+5) (ii)HNO3( ON=+5) (iii)P2O3(ON=+3)
(iv)Cl2O (ON=+1) (v)HNO2(ON=+3) (vi)HClO3(ON=+5)
(vii)Mn2O7(ON=+7) (viii)HClO4(ON=+7) (ix)H2CrO4(ON=+6)
SAQ 5:
(i) NO2 + H2O ----->HNO2 + HNO3 (The ON of N goes from +4 in NO2 to +3 in HNO2
and again the ON of the same N goes from +4 in NO2 to +5 in HNO3). This is a redox reaction
and hence not a metathesis reaction. Note that this type of redox reaction in which the same
substance(NO2) gets oxidised as well as reduced has a separte name, which we shall discuss
later.
(ii) ClO2 + H2O -------> HClO2 + HClO3 (The ON of Cl changes from +4 in ClO2 to +3
in HClO2 and again the ON of same Cl changes from +4 in ClO2 to +5 in HClO3).
SAQ 6: SO3, N2O3, Cl2O, CO2, Cl2O7
SAQ 7:(i)KOH (ii)Ba(OH)2 (iii)SrO (iv)No reaction; since Al2O3 is insoluble in water
SAQ 8: (i) KAlO2 + H2O(Al is in +3 ON) (ii)Na2SnO2 + H2O(Sn is in +2 state)
(iii) Na2PbO2 + H2O(Pb in +2 state) (iv)K2SnO3 + H2O (Sn is in +4 state)
Write the names of these salts in language from the table given in the text. The ON of the metal
is same on both the sides because these are metathesis reactions.
SAQ 9:
(i) Na2ZnO2 + H2O(zincate has a valency of 2 while in the question it has been taken as 1)
(ii) K2CoO2 + H2O(cobaltate has a valency of 2, not 3)
(iii) NaAlO2 + H2O(meta-aluminate has a valency of 1, not 2)
(iv) Na2SnO2 + H2O(The ON of Sn in LHS is +2 and in the RHS it cannot be +4 as it is a
metathesis reaction).
SAQ 10:
(i)K2SO4 + CO2 + H2O (ii)NaCl + SO2 + H2O (iii)CaCl2 + SO2 + H2O
(iv)ZnBr2 + CO2 +H2O (v)BiCl3 + H2S (vi)FeSO4 + H2S
(vii)CaSO4 + SO2+ H2O+ S (viii)K2SO4 + NO + NO2 + H2O
SAQ 11:
(i)AlN + H2O --------> Al(OH)3 + NH3 (ii)Ca3P2 + H2O ----->Ca(OH)2 + PH3
(iii)CaC2 + H2O ------> C2H2 + Ca(OH)2 (iv)ZnS + H2O------>Zn(OH)2 + H2S
SAQ 12:
(i)MgO+CO2 (ii)K2CO3 + CO2 + H2O
(iii)Li2O +CO2(Li2CO3 is the only alkali metal carbonate which decomposes on heating).
SAQ 13: (i)NH3 + CaCl2 + H2O (ii)NH3 + K2CO3 + H2O
(iii)NH3 + BaBr2 + H2O (iv)NH3 + Na2SO4 + H2O
SAQ 14: (i)BeO +H2O (ii)MgO+H2O (iii)Cr2O3 + H2O(iv)No change
SAQ 15: (i)Na2SO4 + HCl (ii)K2SO4 + HNO3
SAQ 16: (i)(Cold water)Ca(OH)2 + H2 (ii)(boiled water)MgO + H2
(iii)Fe3O4(magnetic oxide or ferrosoferric oxide) + H2
(the reaction takes place with red hot Fe and superheated steam)
(iv)No reaction with any form of water (v)(steam)Al(OH)3 + H2
SAQ 17: (i)NiCl2 + H2 (ii)No reaction (iii)ZnBr2 + H2
(iv)FeCl2 + H2 (v)No reaction
SAQ 18: (i)I2 + KCl (ii)No reaction (iii)Br2 + KF
(iv)No reaction (v)Br2 + NaCl
SAQ 19: (i)No reaction (ii)No reaction (iii)No reaction (iv)FeCl3 + Br2
(v)Al2O3 + Cr (vi)No reaction (vii)Na2O + Zn
Dr. S. S. Tripathy
90 Concepts in Chemistry
Dr. S. S. Tripathy
92 Concepts in Chemistry
Dr. S. S. Tripathy
94 Concepts in Chemistry
LEVEL - II
SET-I:
1. SO2(R: show the changes in ON)
2. BaO+CO2(M)
3. PbO +SO2(R: S from -2 to +4 and O from 0 to -2, this is called the roasting of an ore)
4. PbCl2(s)+HNO3(M/DR/preci.)
5. I2 + H2O(R:I from -1 to 0 and O from -1 to -2)
6. NaNO2 + H2O(M: N2O3 is the anhydride of HNO2 and hence the nitrite salt is formed)
7. NaAlO2 + H2O(M:Ampho.)
8. NaNO3 +H2O(M/Neu.)
9. Zn + CO(R: Zn from +2 to 0 and C from 0 to +2)
10. Ca(OH)2(M)
11. BaSO4 + H2O2(M/DR)
12. Ti +MgCl2(R:Displ.)
13. Cr2(SO4)3+H2O(M:Neu.)
14. Ba(CH3COO)2 + H2O(M/Neu.)
15. K2ZnO2+H2O(M:Ampho.)
16. K2SnO3 +H2(R:Ampho./Sn from 0 to +4 and H from +1 to 0)
17. PbO +O2(R:Pb from +4 to +2 and O from -2 to 0)
18. O2 +Br2+H2O(R: Br from -1 to 0 and O from 0 in O3 to -2 in H2O. Note that in all
reaction involving ozone, O2 is formed alongwith other products)
19. CuSO4 +SO2+H2O(R:Cu from 0 to +2 and S from +6 to +4. Note that conc. H2SO4
reacts with most metals to produce SO2)
20. Cu(NO3)2+NO2+H2O(R: Cu from 0 to +2 and N from +5 to +4. Note that conc. HNO3
reacts with most metals to produce the reddish brown NO2 gas)
21. SrSO4(s)+Ca(NO3)2 (M:D.R/preci.)
22. Hg +H2O(R: Hg from +2 to 0 and H from 0 to +1)
23. NO2 + CO2 +H2O(R: N from +5 to +4 and C from 0 to +4).
24. K3PO4 + H2O(M:Neu./ P2O5 is the anhydride of H3PO4)
25. PbCl2 +Cl2+H2O(R:Pb from +4 to +2 and Cl from -1 to 0)
26. Mg3(PO4)2 +H2O(M:Neu.)
27. PH3+Al(OH)3(M:hydrolysis of phosphide salt)
28. Ca(OH)2 +C2H2(M:hydrolysis of carbide salt)
29. S +H2O(R: S goes from +4 to 0 and also S from -2 to 0)
30. SnCl4 + H2O(M: Sn remains at +4)
31. Al2(SO4)3 +H2S(M)
32. BaO2(R: O from -2 to -1 in peroxide and also O from 0 to -1)
33. Na2CO3 +CO2 +H2O(M:thermal decomposition of bicarbonate)
34. KNO2 + O2 (R: N from +5 to +3 and O from -2 to 0)
35. NH3 + Na2CO3 + H2O(M)
36. N2O+2H2O(R: N from -3 to +1 and N from +5 to +1)
37. NaAlO2 +H2(R:Ampho.: Al from 0 to +3 and H from +1 to 0)
38. PbCl2+Cl2+H2O(R: Pb from+8/3 to +2 and Cl from -1 to 0. Note that Pb3O4 called the
red lead reacts in the same manner as PbO2)
39. PbBr2+H2(R: displ.)
40. No reaction, Br2 is below Cl2
41. Cr(OH)2(s)+NaNO3(M/DR/preci)
42. HIO3(M: I2O5 is the anhydride of HIO3)
43. MnS(s)+HCl(M:DR/preci)
44. (NH4)2SO4 (M: salt formation)
45. NO2 +S + H2O(R: N from +5 to +4 and S from -2 to 0)
46. ZnSO4 +Cu(R:Displacement)
47. NH4Cl +N2(N from -3 to 0 and Cl from 0 to -1. Note that due to excess of ammonia,
NH4Cl is formed by the reaction HCl with ammonia)
48. Fe3O4(magnetic oxide)+H2(R: Fe from 0 to +8/3 and H from +1 to 0)
49. HOCl or HClO(Cl2O is the anhydride of hypochlorous acid)
50. NaClO2 +H2O(Cl2O3 is the anhydride of chlorous acid, HNO2 from which chlorite salt
is produces in the above reaction).
SET-II The reader is advised to indicate the changes of ON in the following equations.
1. NaNO2 + NaNO3 +H2O(R: NO2 is the mixed anhydride of HNO2 and HNO3)
2. FeCl3(R: syn.)
Dr. S. S. Tripathy
96 Concepts in Chemistry
Dr. S. S. Tripathy