Monday, August 4, 2014

What are the products of the following reaction? Zr(NO3)4*5H2O + CH3CO2H =?

The first compound you have listed is zirconium nitrate, which is a crystalline solid, but is soluble in water.  The second compound, after water, is acetic acid.  So we basically have a nitrate compound being combined with an acid.  Acids are substances that offer H+ (hydrogen ions) when combined with water, so what happens is the hydrogen ion separates from the acetic acid and displaces the zirconium ion.  The products formed are nitric acid and zirconium acetate.


Zr(NO3)4 times H2O  +  CH3CO2H ----->  HNO3  +  Zr(CH3CO2)4


When you mix a nitrate with an acid, as in this chemical reaction, there is the extreme likelihood of an explosion, a fire, or something of a similar catastrophic nature.  This is an exothermic reaction, meaning the products will have less energy than the reactants.  The difference in energy is given off in ambient heat energy.  This can result in pressure being generated, an explosion taking place, or at the very least, an appreciable difference of temperature being given off.  Care should be taken, appropriate eye care and clothing protection should be exercised.  Toxic vapors may also be a concern, a well ventilated area should be considered for this reaction.

No comments:

Post a Comment

What was the device called which Faber had given Montag in order to communicate with him?

In Part Two "The Sieve and the Sand" of the novel Fahrenheit 451, Montag travels to Faber's house trying to find meaning in th...