Carbon monoxide and chlorine combine in an equilibrium reaction to produce the highly toxic product, phosgene (COCl₂) CO(g) + Cl₂(g) COCl₂(g)
If the equilibrium constant for this reaction is K_c = 248, predict, if possible, what will happen when the reactants and product are combined with the concentrations shown.
[CO] = [Cl₂] = 0.010 M; [COCl₂] = 0.070 M

Question

Carbon monoxide and chlorine combine in an equilibrium reaction to produce the highly toxic product, phosgene (COCl₂) CO(g) + Cl₂(g)

Carbon monoxide and chlorine combine in an equilibrium reaction to produce the highly toxic product, phosgene (COCl<sub>2</sub>) CO(g) + Cl<sub>2</sub>(g) COCl<sub>2</sub>(g) If the equilibrium constant for this reaction is K<sub>c</sub> = 248, predict, if possible, what will happen when the reactants and product are combined with the concentrations shown. [CO] = [Cl<sub>2</sub>] = 0.010 M; [COCl<sub>2</sub>] = 0.070 M A) The reaction will proceed to the right. B) The reaction will proceed to the left. C) The reaction is at equilibrium, and no change in concentrations will occur. D) The container volume needs to be specified before a prediction can be made. E) The temperature needs to be specified before a prediction can be made.

COCl₂(g)
If the equilibrium constant for this reaction is K_c = 248, predict, if possible, what will happen when the reactants and product are combined with the concentrations shown.
[CO] = [Cl₂] = 0.010 M; [COCl₂] = 0.070 M

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reaction quotient, Qc, can be calculated as follows:
Qc = [COCl2]/([CO][Cl2]) = (0.070)/(0.010^2) = 7
Since Qc > Kc, the system is not at equilibrium and the reaction will proceed to the left to reach equilibrium. Therefore, more CO and Cl2 will be produced, and the concentration of COCl2 will decrease until Qc = Kc.

Carbon Monoxide and Chlorine Combine in an Equilibrium Reaction to Produce