What are the spectator ions in #Na^+ + OH^- + H^+ + Cl^- -> H_2O + Na^+ + Cl#?

Answer 1

The sodium and chloride ions......

When the neutralization reaction is written,...

#NaOH(aq) + HCl(aq) rarr NaCl(aq) + H_2O(l)#

...bond formation has clearly occurred for the formation of water, i.e. strong #O-H# bonds have been formed..... However, the metal and non-metal ions remain in solution as their aquated ions; we write #NaCl(aq)#, what we really mean is the aquated sodium cation, which is possibly #[Na{(OH)_2}_6]^+#, a coordination complex if you like where the water molecule is the donor....and a similar aquated chloride complex.

And when we get the reactants into solution, #[Na{(OH)_2}_6]^+#, remains substantially unchanged during the reaction; it is a SPECTATOR that cheers on the bond-making reaction between the ACTIVE hydroxide and protium ions.....

#H_3O^+ + HO^(-) rarr 2H_2O(l)#

Feel free to ask any more questions you may have, as this is a crucial formalism to understand.

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Answer 2

Natalie Anton

The spectator ions in the reaction are Na⁺ and Cl⁻.

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Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

What are the spectator ions in #Na^+ + OH^- + H^+ + Cl^- -&gt; H_2O + Na^+ + Cl#?

What are the spectator ions in #Na^+ + OH^- + H^+ + Cl^- -> H_2O + Na^+ + Cl#?