Ions in Aqueous Solutions Chapter 13

Compounds in Aqueous Solutions The separation of ions that occurs when an ionic compound dissolves is called dissociation. The equations for the dissociation of sodium chloride and calcium chloride in water. Notice that the equations are balanced for charge as well as for atoms. One formula unit of sodium chloride gives two ions in solution. One formula unit of calcium chloride gives three ions in solution.

Compounds in Aqueous Solutions Assuming 100% dissociation, a solution that contains 1 mol of NaCl produces 1 mol of Na+ ions and 1 mol of Cl- ions A solution that contains 1 mol of CaCl2 produces 1 mol of Ca2+ ions and 2 mol of Cl- ions

Soluble and Insoluble compounds

General Solubility Guidelines

Predicting the Solubility of compounds Use the solubility rules to predict if the products of double displacement reactions are soluble or insoluble based on their combination of ions.

Net Ionic Equations A net ionic equation includes only those compounds and ions that undergo a chemical change in a reaction in an aqueous solution. To write a net ionic equation: First write an overall ionic equation. All soluble ionic compounds are shown as dissociated ions in solution. The precipitates are shown as solids. Ions that do not take part in a chemical reaction and are found in solution both before and after the reaction are spectator ions. Cancel the spectator ions out on both sides of the equation to give the net ionic equation.

Overall Ionic Equation and Net Ionic Equation

Ionization Covalently bonded molecules can also form ions in solution. Usually those compounds are polar. Ions are formed from solute molecules by the action of the solvent in a process called ionization. Meaning creation of ions where there were none. This is different than dissociation.

Ionization The extent to which a solute ionizes in solution depends on: The strength of the bonds within the molecules of the solute The strength of attraction between the solute and solvent molecules If the strength of a bond within the solute molecule is weaker than the attractive forces of the solvent molecules, then the covalent bond of the solute breaks and the molecule is separated into ions.

An Example of Ionization Hydrogen chloride contains a highly polar bond. The attraction between a polar HCl molecule and the polar water molecules is strong enough to break the HCl bond, forming hydrogen ions and chloride ions.

The Hydronium Ion Many molecular compounds contain a hydrogen atom bonded by a polar covalent bond. When they ionize, they release H+ ions The H+ ions strongly attract other molecules or ions so much so that they don’t exist alone. The H+ ion is always transferred to water if it is present. The H3O+ ion is known as the hydronium ion.

Strong vs. Weak Electrolytes A strong electrolyte is any compound whose dilute aqueous solutions conduct electricity well; this is due to the presence of all or almost all of the dissolved compound in the form of ions. A weak electrolyte is any compound whose dilute aqueous solutions conduct electricity poorly; this is due to the presence of a small amount of the dissolved compound in the form of ions.