Precipitation Reactions
- A precipitation reaction occurs when two homogeneous solutions are mixed and an insoluble solid is produced
- Precipitation reactions are double replacement reactions
- Double replacement reactions involve the exchange of cations or anions, making two new chemical compounds
- There need to be an exchange from cations or anions, not both at the same time because you would end up with the same reactants
- E.g. Below is showed a general equation, where A and C are cations and B and D are anions
- The insoluble solid that forms in the mixture is also known as a precipitate
- The formation of a precipitate can be predicted using some rules of solubility summarized in the table below:
Solubility of Ionic Compounds
Soluble ions |
Insoluble |
Compounds of sodium, potassium, and ammonium |
- |
All nitrates (NO3-) |
- |
All chlorides (Cl-), except |
… silver and lead(II) |
All sulfates (SO4-), except |
… barium, calcium, and lead(II) |
Sodium, potassium and ammonium carbonates |
All other carbonates |
Sodium, potassium, and calcium hydroxides |
All other hydroxides |
Worked example
Write a balanced equation with state symbols for the reaction between a solution of silver nitrate (AgNO3) and a solution of sodium chloride (NaCl). If there is a precipitate identify it.
Answer:
- Step 1: Write down a balanced equation for the reaction
- Since precipitation reactions are double replacement reactions, the cations can be switched
- Step 2: Using the rules of solubility, identify the soluble and insoluble products
- NaNO3 is a sodium salt and it is also a nitrate. Therefore, it is soluble and it will be in aqueous state in the mixture
- AgCl is a chloride, however, silver chloride is an exception to the rule. Therefore, it is insoluble and it will be a solid in the mixture. Therefore, it is the precipitate
- Step 3: Write down the balanced equation with all the state symbols