Chlorine reacts with sulfur dioxide to produce thionyl chloride according to the following equilibrium reaction: SO₂ + Cl₂ ⇌ SO₂Cl₂. The forward reaction is exothermic.
What will be the consequences of adding more Cl₂ to the reaction when the reaction is at equilibrium?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Le Chatelier's principle states that if a change of condition is applied to a system in equilibrium, the system will shift in a direction that relieves the stress. Adding more Cl₂ to the reaction will shift the equilibrium to the right, producing more SO₂Cl₂. This exothermic reaction will release heat, causing the temperature of the reaction mixture to rise.

Chlorine Reacts with Sulfur Dioxide to Produce Thionyl Chloride According