Are These Reactions Possible? Understanding Conditions for 2NaOH+K and HCN+K

[starCr]

hello,

I would like to know if following reactions are possible/correct and under what condition:
2NaOH+K->KOH+NaOH

and

HCN+K->KCN+H

Theoretically it should be possible but I'm not sure,Please help me understand

Thanks

 

[minerva]

hello,

I would like to know if following reactions are possible/correct and under what condition:
2NaOH+K->KOH+NaOH

and

HCN+K->KCN+H

Theoretically it should be possible but I'm not sure,Please help me understand

Thanks

2NaOH+K->KOH+NaOH

This reaction isn't balanced. You start with 2 Na, but finish with one. For a candidate reaction to be a possible "real" reaction, it must be balanced.

You could remove a redundant NaOH from both sides of that reaction, so you get:

NaOH + K --> KOH + Na

I've added on an extra Na to make it balanced.

Yes, this reaction is plausible. K metal added to molten NaOH would reduce the sodium.

HCN+K->KCN+H

K is very reactive. It reacts with many things, like water for example. Can you write an equation for the reaction of K metal with water?

HCN is an acid. Will an acid react with K? Would, say, HCl react with K? Yes, it will, even more violently than the potassium will react with water.

To make the reaction more correct, double everything up in the reaction and change the hydrogen to molecular H₂.

In an aqueous solution, though, the reaction between the acid and the potassium will compete with the reaction between the water and the potassium.

 

[starCr]

Thanks for your answer Minerva,

but i didn't understood this proposition:
"In an aqueous solution, though, the reaction between the acid and the potassium will compete with the reaction between the water and the potassium."
You say that there is an aqueous solution of HCN? Supposing it exist that means that
HCN(aqueous solution) + K -> KCN + H which will fume? Can you provide an equation for this?

About H2O+K as far as I know will burn until the quantity of K will end

Thanks

 

[Borek]

No, it doesn't necessarily mean HCN must be in a form of aqueous solution, it can be in gaseous form as well. However, chemistry in presence of water will be slightly different, so it is worth of noting the difference, especially when conditions are not clearly stated.

Note, that when using HCN solution, even if K reacts initially with water, resulting base will later neutralize HCN, so the final effect and overall reaction equation will be basically the same.

--

 

[LudusRex]

for your question. I can confirm that both reactions are indeed possible under certain conditions.

The first reaction, 2NaOH + K -> KOH + NaOH, is a double displacement reaction between two ionic compounds. This reaction is possible under basic conditions, where the hydroxide ions (OH-) from the sodium hydroxide (NaOH) react with the potassium ions (K+) from the potassium (K) to form potassium hydroxide (KOH) and sodium ions (Na+). This reaction is also known as a metathesis reaction.

The second reaction, HCN + K -> KCN + H, is also possible under certain conditions. This is a single displacement reaction where the potassium (K) replaces the hydrogen (H) in the hydrogen cyanide (HCN) molecule, forming potassium cyanide (KCN) and hydrogen gas (H2). This reaction is possible under acidic conditions, where the hydrogen ions (H+) from the acid react with the potassium (K) to form potassium ions (K+) and hydrogen gas (H2).

It is important to note that both reactions require specific conditions in order to occur. These conditions include the presence of a suitable solvent, appropriate temperature and pressure, and the correct reactant concentrations. Without these conditions, the reactions may not take place or may proceed at a slower rate.

I hope this helps to clarify the possibility of these reactions. As always, it is important to carefully consider the conditions and factors involved in any chemical reaction before drawing conclusions.

 

[LudusRex]

for your question. The reactions 2NaOH+K->KOH+NaOH and HCN+K->KCN+H are indeed possible under certain conditions. Let's take a closer look at each one:

2NaOH+K->KOH+NaOH

This reaction involves a displacement reaction, where potassium (K) displaces sodium (Na) from sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to form potassium hydroxide (KOH) and sodium (Na). This reaction is possible under high temperatures and pressures, as well as with the presence of a catalyst. Additionally, the reaction may be favored in a more concentrated solution of NaOH. However, it is important to note that this reaction may not be feasible in certain conditions, such as low temperatures or low concentrations of reactants.

HCN+K->KCN+H

This reaction also involves a displacement reaction, where potassium (K) displaces hydrogen (H) from hydrogen cyanide (HCN) to form potassium cyanide (KCN) and hydrogen (H). This reaction is possible under similar conditions as the first reaction, such as high temperatures and pressures, with the presence of a catalyst, and in a more concentrated solution of HCN. However, it is important to note that this reaction may also not be feasible in certain conditions, such as low temperatures or low concentrations of reactants.

In conclusion, both reactions are theoretically possible but require specific conditions for them to occur. As a scientist, it is important to carefully consider the reactants, conditions, and potential outcomes of a reaction before conducting any experiments. I hope this helps to clarify your understanding.