A Comprehensive List of Essential Inorganic Reactions
Inorganic chemistry, a fundamental branch of chemistry, deals with the properties and reactions of inorganic compounds. Here's a curated list of some of the most important inorganic reactions, categorized based on their types:
Acid-Base Reactions
Neutralization:
- Acid + Base → Salt + Water
- Example: HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H₂O
Salt Hydrolysis:
- Salt + Water → Acid + Base
- Example: CH₃COONa + H₂O → CH₃COOH + NaOH
Redox Reactions
Oxidation-Reduction:
- Gain of electrons (reduction) and loss of electrons (oxidation)
- Example: 2FeCl₂ + Cl₂ → 2FeCl₃
Disproportionation:
- A single element undergoes both oxidation and reduction
- Example: 2CuCl → Cu + CuCl₂
Precipitation Reactions
Ionic Compounds:
- Soluble salts react to form insoluble precipitates
- Example: AgNO₃ + NaCl → AgCl (s) + NaNO₃
Complex Ion Formation:
- Soluble complexes form when ligands bind to metal ions
- Example: Cu²⁺ + 4NH₃ → [Cu(NH₃)₄]²⁺
Complex Formation Reactions
Ligand Exchange:
- Ligands are replaced in a complex ion
- Example: [Cu(H₂O)₄]²⁺ + 4NH₃ → [Cu(NH₃)₄]²⁺ + 4H₂O
Chelation:
- A polydentate ligand forms a ring-like structure around a metal ion
- Example: EDTA + Cu²⁺ → [Cu(EDTA)]²⁻
Decomposition Reactions
Thermal Decomposition:
- Compounds decompose when heated
- Example: CaCO₃ → CaO + CO₂
Photodecomposition:
- Compounds decompose when exposed to light
- Example: AgCl → Ag + Cl₂
Other Important Reactions
Combustion:
- Substances react with oxygen to produce heat and light
- Example: CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O
Hydrolysis:
- Compounds react with water
- Example: SiCl₄ + 2H₂O → SiO₂ + 4HCl
Solvolysis:
- Compounds react with a solvent other than water
- Example: BF₃ + NH₃ → F₃B-NH₃
Note: This is just a brief overview of some common inorganic reactions. The specific reactions can vary widely depending on the elements and compounds involved.
FAQs about Inorganic Reactions
1. What is the difference between an organic and an inorganic compound?
- Organic compounds: Contain carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms.
- Inorganic compounds: Do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds.
2. What is a redox reaction?
A redox reaction involves the transfer of electrons between two species. One species loses electrons (oxidation), while the other gains electrons (reduction).
3. What is a precipitation reaction?
A precipitation reaction occurs when two soluble ionic compounds react to form an insoluble solid precipitate.
4. What is a complex ion?
A complex ion is a charged ion composed of a central metal ion surrounded by ligands (neutral molecules or ions).
5. What is a neutralization reaction?
A neutralization reaction occurs when an acid and a base react to form a salt and water.
6. What is the difference between a strong acid and a weak acid?
- Strong acids: Completely ionize in aqueous solution.
- Weak acids: Only partially ionize in aqueous solution.
7. What is the pH scale?
The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. A pH of 7 is neutral, while a pH less than 7 is acidic and a pH greater than 7 is basic.
8. What is a buffer solution?
A buffer solution is a solution that resists changes in pH when small amounts of acid or base are added.
9. What is a catalyst?
A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the reaction.
10. What is the difference between a reversible and an irreversible reaction?
- Reversible reactions: Can proceed in both directions.
- Irreversible reactions: Proceed in only one direction.
