Displacement reaction at solubulity limit. Does it stop or precipitate

In summary, in a single displacement reaction, if the displacing metal reaches its solubility limit before the other metal is fully displaced, the reaction will continue but the excess metal will precipitate out. This can happen if the solution has a higher solubility for the displaced metal, as in the case of strong silver nitrate solution and solid lead.
  • #1
chemnoob
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I'm wondering what happens in a single displacement reaction if the displacing metal (the one that's going into the solution) reaches it's solubility limit before the other metal in the solution is fully displaced.

Say for example you had a strong silver nitrate solution, and you placed enough solid lead in it to potentially displace all of the silver.

Pb + 2AgNO3 -> 2Ag + Pb(NO3)2

Since AgNO3 has approx four times more solubility than Pb(NO3)2, it is possible that the Pb(NO3)2 would reach it's solubility limit before all of the Ag is displaced. So when this happens does the displacement just stop (or drastically slow), or does the reaction continue, with the excess Pb(NO3)2 precipitating out?
 
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  • #2
Reaction continues, precipitating lead nitrate.
 

FAQ: Displacement reaction at solubulity limit. Does it stop or precipitate

What is a displacement reaction at solubility limit?

A displacement reaction at solubility limit occurs when two substances, one of which is insoluble, are mixed together and a reaction takes place resulting in the insoluble substance being displaced from solution.

How does displacement reaction at solubility limit work?

In a displacement reaction at solubility limit, the insoluble substance has a lower solubility limit than the substance it is reacting with. This causes the insoluble substance to be forced out of solution, forming a precipitate.

Does the displacement reaction at solubility limit ever stop?

Yes, the displacement reaction will eventually stop when either one of the reactants is completely consumed or when the solubility limit of the insoluble substance is reached.

What is the difference between stopping and precipitating in a displacement reaction at solubility limit?

When a displacement reaction at solubility limit stops, it means that the reaction has reached equilibrium and no further reaction is taking place. When a displacement reaction at solubility limit precipitates, it means that the insoluble substance has formed a solid precipitate and is no longer in solution.

Can the precipitate formed in a displacement reaction at solubility limit be separated from the solution?

Yes, the precipitate formed in a displacement reaction at solubility limit can be separated from the solution through various methods such as filtration or centrifugation.

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