Experiment 8

Classification of Inorganic Reactions

Objectives
Upon completion of this experiment, students should have learned:

1. A scheme for classifying reactions.

2. How to balance chemical equations.
3. The common observations associated with a chemical change.
4. To make an activity series from experimental data.

Introduction
The process of classification often assists with the simplification and solution of problems.
Classification of diseases by cause: viral, bacterial, or fungal, facilitates proper treatment. The
sciences are classified into sub-disciplines. Chemistry is often subdivided into organic, inorganic,
analytical, theoretical and physical branches. Attempts have been made to classify reaction by
type. Today, we will run several reactions and attempt to classify them by the nature of the
reaction: combination, decomposition, double replacement, and oxidation-reduction. The
combination, decomposition, combustion, and double replacement reactions do not involve
transfer of electrons. The combustion, single replacement and oxidation-reduction reactions, on
the other hand, are different from those reactions in which electrons are transferred from one
reactant to another.

Combination: The reaction of two substances to form one substance.

C(s) + O2(g) → CO2(g)

MgO(s) + H2O(l) → Mg(OH)2(s)

SO3(g) + H2O(l) → H2SO4(l)

SrCl2(s) + 6H2O(l) → SrCl2∙6H2O(s)

Decomposition: The reverse of combination or the breaking down of one substance into two or
more substances.

H2CO3(aq) → H2O(l) + CO2(g)

HgO(s) → Hg(l) + ½O2(g)

Ca(HCO3)2(aq) → CaCO3(s) + H2O(l) + CO2(g)

 Mg(OH)2(s) → MgO(s) + H2O(g)

SrCl2∙6H2O(s) → SrCl2(s) + 6H2O(g)

Combustion: The rapid reaction of a compound with oxygen.

2CH4O(l) + 3O2(g) → 2CO2(g) + 4H2O(g)

2C8H18(l) + 25O2(g) → 16CO2(g) + 18H2O(g)

Single Replacement: The replacement of an element in a compound by another element

originally in elemental form.

reaction observation

Cu(s) + 2AgNO3(aq) → Cu(NO3)2(aq) + 2Ag(s) plating of metallic silver on copper

and appearance of blue colour in
solution

Mg(s) + H2SO4(aq) → MgSO4(aq) + H2(g) gas evolution

Br2(aq) + 2KI(aq) → 2KBr(aq) + I2(aq) loss of red bromine colour and

appearance of brown iodine colour

Double Replacement: An exchange of positive and negative ion partners by two compounds
(most commonly involving two ionic compounds) in aqueous solution. These reactions usually
proceed when at least one of the products is a compound insoluble in water (precipitate), a gas or
a compound that decomposes into a gas, or a slightly ionized compound.

reaction observation

3BaCl2(aq) + 2Na3PO4(aq) → Ba3(PO4)2(s) + 6NaCl(aq) white ppt.

K2CO3(aq) + 2HNO3(aq) → 2KNO3(aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g) gas

H2SO4(aq) + 2KOH(aq) → K2SO4(aq) + 2H2O(l) heat

Oxidation-reduction: The reaction is called an oxidation-reduction or redox reaction if electrons

are transferred from one reactant to another.

Zn(s) + Pb(NO3)2(aq) → Zn(NO3)2(aq) + Pb(s)

F2(aq) + 2NaBr(aq) → 2NaF(aq) + Br2(aq)

One method of checking for electron transfer is to compare oxidation numbers of the elements
on the reactant side to the elements on the product side. If the oxidation number of any element
has increased (e.g. 0 → +2, +2 → +4, -1 → 0), the element has lost electrons and has been
oxidized. As a result, another element must have gained electrons and have been reduced or
experienced a decrease in oxidation number (e.g. +2 → 0, 0 → -1). Many reactions are easily
detectable as redox reactions by the presence of a reactant or product in elemental form. An
element cannot react or be produced unless electrons are transferred. This means that all single
replacement reactions are also redox reactions. Combustion reactions are also redox reactions.
Some combination and decomposition reactions are redox reactions but double replacements are
never redox reactions. This experiment focuses on what is probably the simplest type of redox
reactions, the single displacement reactions.

If the displaced element gains electrons in the reaction, it is reduced from its ionic form to its
elemental form. The reactive metal or ion that supplied the electrons is simultaneously oxidized.
Oxidation is the loss of electrons.

Zn(s) + Pb(NO3)2(aq) → Zn(NO3)2(aq) + Pb(s)

In the above equation, lead is reduced to its elemental form. Zinc is oxidized from its elemental
form to its ionic form. This demonstrates that zinc metal is more active reducing agent than lead
metal. If no reaction occurs when a metal or reducing agent is introduced into a solution, the
elemental form of the metal already in solution is more reactive or a better reducing agent than
the metal that was put into the solution.

If the displaced element loses electrons in the reaction, it is oxidized from its ionic form to its
elemental form. The reactive element or ion that acquires the electrons is reduced.

F2(aq) + 2NaBr(aq) → 2NaF(aq) + Br2(aq)

Fluorine is reduced in the above equation while bromine is oxidized from its ionic form to its
elemental form. This demonstrates that fluorine is a more active oxidizing agent than bromine. If
no reaction occurs when an oxidizing agent is introduced into a solution, then the oxidized form
of the negative ion already in solution is more reactive or better oxidizing agent than the
oxidizing agent that was put into it.

In addition to recording observations about a reaction and classifying the reaction by type, one
should write balanced equations that occur. The examples above are all balanced.

The first step in writing a balanced equation is to write the correct formulas for reactants and
products. Once this is done, subscripts must not be changed to balance the equations as this
changes the substance. Balance the equation using coefficients (number in front of the formula).
A coefficient denotes the relative number of moles of the substance whose formula it precedes.
Locate the formula with the largest subscript (not subscripts within a polyatomic ion but
subscripts that give the number of atoms or ions per formula unit). For the reaction below, 8 is
the largest subscript.

C3H8(g) + O2(g) → CO2(g) + H2O(g)

Imagine the coefficient 1 in front of the propane (C3H8) and balance the hydrogens and then the
carbons.

C3H8(g) + O2(g) → 3CO2(g) + 4H2O(g)

Observe that there are now ten oxygen atoms on the right and that there are two oxygen atoms in
an oxygen molecule on the left. Divide the number of the atoms needed (10) by the number per
molecule or formula unit (2) to arrive at the correct coefficient (5).

C3H8(g) + 5O2(g) → 3CO2(g) + 4H2O(g)

Notice the coefficient of 1 is not written in the final equation but is understood. Also notice the
very common technique of leaving O2 (or H2) until last if it is present. The coefficient for O 2
affects the amount of one element only whereas the other coefficients change the amounts of at
least two elements.

For double replacement reactions, start with the ion with the largest subscript. In a case of a tie,
choose the ion with the largest oxidation number. For the reaction below,

BaCl2(aq) + Na3PO4(aq) → Ba3(PO4)2(s) + NaCl(aq)

Na+ and Ba2+ have subscripts of 3 but Ba2+ has the higher oxidation number. Notice that the
subscript 4 is part of the phosphate polyatomic ion and is not part of this consideration. Start with
the barium ions on the left side of the equation by inserting a coefficient of 3.

3BaCl2(aq) + Na3PO4(aq) → Ba3(PO4)2(s) + NaCl(aq)

The coefficient 3 in front of BaCl2 locked in 6 chlorides so as a 6 is now indeed in front of NaCl
on the right.

3BaCl2(aq) + Na3PO4(aq) → Ba3(PO4)2(s) + 6NaCl(aq)

The 6 locks in 6 sodiums so the coefficient in front of Na3PO4 is the number needed (6) divided
by the number per formula unit (3) resulting in a coefficient of 2. Finally check to see if the
phosphates are balanced to be sure you haven’t made an error.

3BaCl2(aq) + 2Na3PO4(aq) → Ba3(PO4)2(s) + 6NaCl(aq)

Complex oxidation-reduction reactions are often time consuming and difficult to balance by
inspection. One of the two common methods utilized to balance redox reactions and also
elucidate the individual processes that occur at the two electrodes of a battery or electrolysis cell
is called the method of half reactions.

In this technique, the redox reaction is divided into two half reactions, an oxidation and a
reduction. A copper penny placed in a silver nitrate solution quickly picks up a coating of silver
as the copper goes into solution according to the equation:
 Cu(s) + 2Ag+(aq) → Cu2+(aq) + 2Ag(s)

In this reaction copper is oxidized to copper ion and silver ion is reduced to elemental silver. The
oxidation process, Cu → Cu2+, is first balanced according to mass and then electrons are added
to balance charge:

Cu(s) → Cu2+(aq) + 2e-

The same process is used for the reduction of silver ion to elemental silver, Ag + → Ag.

Ag+(aq) + e- → Ag(s)

To obtain the net ionic equations, two half reactions are added together. As the silver reduction
will have to occur two times for each copper oxidation, the silver half reaction is multiplied by
two and added to the copper half reaction:

2Ag+(aq) + 2e- → 2Ag(s)

Cu(s) → Cu2+(aq) + 2e-
________________________________

Cu(s) + 2Ag+(aq) → Cu2+(aq) + 2Ag(s)

Although this reaction could have easily been balanced by inspection, the half reaction works for
complex redox reactions when balancing by inspection can be extremely difficult.

Procedure

In the first part of the experiment, carry out the reactions as instructed. Record all your
observations (precipitate, gas evolution, heat evolution, or colour change). Use your
observations, the nature of the reactants and the examples given in the Principles section to
classify the reaction by type. In particular, be alert for combination reactions when two
compounds react to form one, decomposition when one compound decomposes into two or more
compounds, combustion when a compound reacts with oxygen, single replacement when an
element reacts with a compound to give another element and compound and double replacement
when two compounds react to give two new compounds (detectable by formation of a
precipitate, a gas, or heat evolution). After mixing, touch the exterior of each test tube to check
for heat evolution. Write balanced equations for all observed reactions. If a reaction is not
detected, write “NAR” for no apparent reaction. Be sure to give each mixture ample time (at
least 5 minutes) before concluding there is no apparent reaction (by vision and/or touch).

A. Classifying inorganic reactions

1. Mix 2 mL of 0.1 M CaCl2 with 2 mL of 0.1 M Na3PO4.

2. Add a few drops of water to a test tube containing 0.5 g CuSO 4 (anhydrous). [Caution:
Anhydrous copper sulfate (white colour) is corrosive. Avoid skin contact but wash with
copious quantities of water if contact occurs.]
3. Heat a test tube containing about 0.25 g Cu(OH)2 with a burner.
4. To a test tube containing 3 mL of 6 M HCl, add a 1 cm2 piece of zinc foil. If a gas evolves,
point the test tube away from all people and quickly insert a lighted splint into the mouth of
the test tube. Balace the equations for both reactions.
5. Mix 2 mL of 3 M HCl with 2 mL of 1 M Na2CO3. [Note that in this case, two types of
reactions occur, one right after the other.]
6. To a test tube containing 3 mL of 3% H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide), add 0.1 g of the catalyst
MnO2. [Note that a catalyst affects the rate of a reaction but is not involved in the overall
reaction.]
7. Add 2 mL of a saturated calcium acetate solution (about 35 g/100 mL H 2O) to an
evaporating dish. To the dish add 15 mL of ethanol and swirl the contents. Pour off any
excess liquid and ignite the remaining contents with a match. For an additional effect,
sprinkle some boric acid on the mixture. Although the reaction is actually more complex,
assume that the reactants in this reaction are only ethanol (C2H5OH) and oxygen.
8. Add 3 g of NH4Cl and 7 g of Sr(OH)2∙8H2O to a 125 mL Erlenmeyer flask and swirl
vigorously for about 5 minutes. Be sure to record all observations including odor, sounds
and touch (flask, not contents) sensations in addition to visual.
9. Mix 2 mL of 3 M H2SO4 with 4 mL of 3 M NaOH.
10. Mix 2 mL of 0.1 M CaCl2 with 2 mL of 0.1 M Na2CO3.
11. To a test tube containing 3 mL of 0.1 M CuSO4, add a 1 cm2 piece of zinc foil.
12. To a test tube containing 3 mL of 0.1 M ZnSO4, add a 2 cm long piece of copper wire.
13. Mix 1 mL of 0.1 M CaCl2 with 2 mL of 0.1 M NaNO3.
14. Heat a test tube containing about 2 g of CuSO4∙5H2O with a burner.
15. Mix 2 mL of 6 M HCl with 4 mL of 3 M NaOH.

In the second part of the experiment you will depermine the relative reducing activities of Cu,
Fe, H, Mg and Zn. Remember, if elemental form of metal A replaces the ionic form of metal B in
solution, metal A is a better reducing agent than metal B. If the elemental form of metal A does
not replace the ionic form of metal B, then metal B is a better reducing agent than metal A.
(Note: Magnesium metal reacts with water slowly to give magnesium hydroxide and hydrogen
gas. When investigating the reactivity of elemental magnesium, look for evidence of a reaction
other than the formation of bubbles on the surface of the metal).

B. Metals as reducing agents.

Label four test tubes 1 - 4.

1. Put a 1 cm2 piece of copper metal into the first test tube.
2. Put a 2 cm long piece of magnesium ribbon into the second test tube.
3. Put a 1 cm2 piece of zinc metal into the third test tube.
4. Put a small ball of steel wool into the fourth test tube.
5. Add a few milliliters of 0.1 M CuSO4 to each test tube. Note any reaction. Allow three
minutes for a reaction to occur. If a reaction occurs, write a balanced equation. If not, write
“NAR” for no apparent reaction.
6. Place the used metal squares in the strainer provided, rinse the tubes with deionized water,
and test new metal squares in the same way as before with 3 M sulfuric acid. Hold a lighted
splint over any test tube in which bubbling occurs.
7. Clean the tubes as before and test each new metal square with 0.1 M zinc sulfate solution.

In the third part of the experiment, you will determine the relative oxidizing activities of Br 2, Cl2,
I2 and Fe3+. Remember, if Fe3+ or the elemental form of a halogen [group VIIA (or 17) elements
are called halogens] replaces the ionic form of another halogen, the first halogen (or Fe 3+) is a
better oxidizing agent than the other halogen. If the elemental form of a halogen (or Fe 3+) does
not replace the ionic form of the other halogen, then the halogen in ionic form is the better
oxidizing agent.

C. Halogens and Fe3+ as oxidizing agents.

Clean out the test tubes and put 5 mL of 0.1 M sodium bromide in the first test tube, 5 mL of 0.1
M sodium chloride in the second test tube and 5 mL of 0.1 M sodium iodide in the third test tube.
Add 5 mL of 0.1 M FeCl3 to each of the three tubes. Note any colour change. A lightening in
colour resulting from the coloured solution being diluted does not constitute a colour change.
Was the iron(III) able to oxidize any of the halides?

Clean out the test tubes and test 5 mL of each of the halide solutions with 5 mL freshly prepared
chlorine water. Caution: This test must be performed in the fume hood.

Results and Discussion

CLASSIFICATION OF INORGANIC REACTIONS

A. Classifying inorganic reactions

For each reaction, record significant observations (precipitate, gas evolution, heat evolution,
colour change). For numbers 1-9 classify the potential reaction according to combination (CA),
decomposition (D), combustion (CU), single replacement (SR), double replacement (DR), or
“NAR” (no apparent reaction) and balance the equations. For numbers 10-15, complete, balance
and classify any reactions that occur.

reaction classification

1. ___CaCl2(aq) + ___Na3PO4(aq) → ___Ca3(PO4)2(s) + ___NaCl(aq)

observations-
2. CuSO4(s) + ___H2O(l) → CuSO4∙ ___H2O(s)
observations-

3. ___Cu(OH)2(s) → CuO(s) ___H2O(g)

observations-

4. ___Zn(s) + HCl(aq) → ___ZnCl2(aq) + ___H2(g)

observations-

___H2(g) + O2(g) → ___H2O(g)

observations-

5. ___HCl(aq) + ___ Na2CO3( aq) → ___NaCl(aq) +___H2O(l) + CO2(g)

observations-

6. ___H2O2 (aq) → ___ H2O(l) + ___O2(g)

observations-

7. ___C2H6O(l) + ___O2(g) → ___CO2(g) + ___H2O(g)

observations-

8. ___ Sr(OH)2∙8H2O(s) + ___NH4Cl(s) → ___SrCl2(s) + ___NH3(g) + ___H2O(g)

observations-

9. ___H2SO4(aq) + ___NaOH(aq) → ___Na2SO4(aq) + ___H2O(l)

observations-

10. ___CaCl2(aq) + ___Na2CO3(aq) →

observations-

11 . ___Zn(s) + ___ CuSO4(aq) →

observations-

12. ___Cu(s) + ___ CuSO4(aq) →

observations-

13. ___CaCl2(aq) + ___NaNO3(aq) →

observations-

14. ___CuSO4∙5H2O(s) →

observations-

15. ___HCl(aq) + ___NaOH(aq) →

observations-

B. Metals as reducing agents.

1. If an observable reaction occurs, complete and balance the equation. If there is not an
observable reaction, write “NAR” (no apparent reaction). [Note: Assume that when
elemental iron reacts, it ends up as iron(II)].

Balanced Equation

CuSO4(aq) + Cu(s) → _____________________________________________________

CuSO4(aq) + Mg(s) → _____________________________________________________

CuSO4(aq) + Zn(s) → _____________________________________________________

CuSO4(aq) + Fe(s) → _____________________________________________________

H2SO4(aq) + Cu(s) → _____________________________________________________

H2SO4(aq) + Mg(s) → _____________________________________________________

H2SO4(aq) + Zn(s) → _____________________________________________________

H2SO4(aq) + Fe(s) → _____________________________________________________

ZnSO4(aq) + Cu(s) → _____________________________________________________

ZnSO4(aq) + Mg(s) → _____________________________________________________

ZnSO4(aq) + Zn(s) → _____________________________________________________

ZnSO4(aq) + Fe(s) → _____________________________________________________

2. Arrange the four metals and hydrogen in order of their activities. Write the symbol of the
best reducing agent first and the poorest one last.

1 (best) _______

2 _______

3 _______

4 _______

5 (poorest) _______

3. Write oxidation and reduction half reactions and the net ionic equations for:

a. copper(II) sulfate + zinc

oxidation __________________________________________________________

reduction __________________________________________________________

net ionic ___________________________________________________________

b. sulfuric acid + magnesium

oxidation __________________________________________________________

reduction __________________________________________________________
 net ionic ___________________________________________________________

C. Halogens and Fe3+ as oxidizing agents.

1. If an observable reaction occurs, complete and balance the equation. If there is not an
observable reaction, write “NAR” (no apparent reaction). [Note: Assume Fe 3+ is reduced to
Fe2+ when it reacts.]

Balanced Equation

___Fe3+ + ___Br- → _____________________________________________________

___Fe3+ + ___Cl- → _____________________________________________________

___Fe3+ + ___I- → _____________________________________________________

___Cl2(aq) + ___Br- → ___________________________________________________

___Cl2(aq) + ___Cl- → ___________________________________________________

___ Cl2(aq) + ___I- → ___________________________________________________

2. Arrange Br2, Cl2, I2 and Fe3+ in order of their activities. List the best oxidizing agent first
and the poorest one last.

1 (best) _______

2 _______

3 _______

4 (poorest) _______

3. Write oxidation and reduction half reactions and the net ionic equations for:

a. iron(III) + iodide

oxidation _________________________________________________________

reduction __________________________________________________________

net ionic __________________________________________________________

 b. chlorine + iodide

oxidation __________________________________________________________

reduction __________________________________________________________

net ionic ___________________________________________________________

4. Suggest any other method you can think of to improve any part(s) of this experiment.