Complete this equation for the dissociation of Fe(ClO4)3(aq). Omit water from the equation because it is understood to be present.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Sure! The dissociation equation for iron(III) perchlorate, Fe(ClO4)3, in aqueous solution is:
Fe(ClO4)3 (aq) → Fe³⁺ (aq) + 3 ClO4⁻ (aq)
Explanation:
When an ionic compound like iron(III) perchlorate dissolves in water, it dissociates into its constituent ions. Fe(ClO4)3 consists of one iron(III) cation (Fe³⁺) and three perchlorate anions (ClO4⁻).
- Ionic nature of Fe(ClO4)3:
Iron(III) perchlorate is a salt formed from Fe³⁺ ions and ClO4⁻ ions. The iron ion carries a +3 charge, while the perchlorate ion carries a -1 charge. Because the salt is neutral overall, the formula must balance the charges, which is why there are three perchlorate ions per one Fe³⁺ ion. - Dissociation in water:
When Fe(ClO4)3 dissolves, the polar water molecules interact with the ions and separate them, a process called dissociation. Each Fe(ClO4)3 formula unit breaks apart into one Fe³⁺ ion and three ClO4⁻ ions. This process happens because ionic bonds between the Fe³⁺ and ClO4⁻ ions are overcome by the solvation (hydration) effect of water molecules. - Omission of water in the equation:
Though the dissolution occurs in water, it is conventional in chemistry to omit water molecules from the dissociation equation unless water is chemically involved in the reaction. The equation focuses on the ionic species released into the solution. - Significance of ions in solution:
Fe³⁺ ions are important in many chemical reactions, including redox and coordination chemistry. ClO4⁻ ions are generally considered spectator ions because they rarely participate in reactions in aqueous solutions.
In summary, the correct dissociation equation shows Fe(ClO4)3 breaking into one Fe³⁺ ion and three ClO4⁻ ions, reflecting the ionic composition and behavior of the compound in water.
