Question

In a common medical laboratory determination of the concentration of free chloride ion in blood serum, a serum sample is titrated with an Hg(NO₃)₂ solution. 2Cl⁻(aq) + Hg(NO₃)₂(aq) ⟶ 2NO₃⁻(aq) + HgCl₂(s)

a) Identify the reactants and products.
b) Balance the chemical equation.
c) Calculate moles and determine concentration.
d) Optimize conditions for accurate titration.

Answer 1

In an Hg(NO₃)₂ titration of blood serum to determine the concentration of free chloride ions, the reactants are 2Cl⁻(aq) and Hg(NO₃)₂(aq), and the products are 2NO₃⁻(aq) and HgCl₂(s).

The equation should be balanced as 2Cl⁻(aq) + Hg(NO₃)₂(aq) → 2NO₃⁻(aq) + HgCl₂(s).

The concentration of Cl⁻ can be calculated using the equation concentration (mol/L) = moles / volume (L). To optimize conditions for accurate titration, precise measurement, appropriate indicators, and a controlled environment should be maintained.

Step-by-step explanation:

a) Identify the reactants and products:

Reactants: 2Cl⁻(aq) + Hg(NO₃)₂(aq)

Products: 2NO₃⁻(aq) + HgCl₂(s)

b) Balance the chemical equation:

2Cl⁻(aq) + Hg(NO₃)₂(aq) → 2NO₃⁻(aq) + HgCl₂(s)

c) Calculate moles and determine concentration:

The concentration of Cl⁻ can be calculated by using the equation:

Concentration (mol/L) = moles / volume (L)

In this case, we need to calculate the moles of Hg(NO₃)₂ and then use the balanced equation to determine the moles of Cl⁻.

d) Optimize conditions for accurate titration:

Optimizing conditions for accurate titration involves ensuring precise measurement of volumes, using appropriate indicators, and maintaining a controlled environment.