How Many Moles of HCl are Produced When 0.5 Mol of H2 Reacts with 1.5 Mol of Cl2

The reaction between hydrogen (H2) and chlorine (Cl2) to form hydrogen chloride (HCl) is a classic example of a stoichiometric reaction. The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is as follows:

1. The Balanced Chemical Equation

H2 Cl2 → 2 HCl

This equation shows that 1 mole of H2 reacts with 1 mole of Cl2 to produce 2 moles of HCl. To determine how many moles of HCl are produced when 0.5 moles of H2 reacts with 1.5 moles of Cl2, we need to follow a systematic approach. Here’s how it is done:

2. Determining the Limiting Reactant

To determine the limiting reactant, we need to calculate the moles of HCl produced from each reactant.

Calculation from H2

- For 0.5 moles of H2, we calculate:

0.5 moles H2 × (2 moles HCl / 1 mole H2) 1 mole HCl

Calculation from Cl2

- For 1.5 moles of Cl2, we calculate:

1.5 moles Cl2 × (2 moles HCl / 1 mole Cl2) 3 moles HCl

Since H2 produces 1 mole of HCl and Cl2 can produce 3 moles of HCl, H2 is the limiting reactant.

3. The Limiting Reactant and Product Calculation

Since H2 is the limiting reactant, the maximum amount of HCl produced will be based on the moles of H2 available. Therefore, the amount of HCl produced is:

0.5 moles H2 × (2 moles HCl / 1 mole H2) 1 mole HCl

Thus, the reaction will only produce 1 mole of HCl, as 0.5 moles of H2 reacts with 0.5 moles of Cl2 (since Cl2 is in excess).

4. Understanding the Reaction Stoichiometry

When 1 mole of H2 reacts with 1 mole of Cl2, 2 moles of HCl are formed. In the given scenario, 0.5 moles of H2 will react with an excess of Cl2 to form 1 mole of HCl, as explained above.

5. Practical Application and Further Considerations

While the question asks about the moles of HCl, if you need to convert moles to miles, you can use the molar volume of gases at standard temperature and pressure (STP), which is approximately 22.4 L/mol. However, since the units of miles in chemistry are not commonly used, this conversion is more relevant in a broader context rather than specifically for this reaction.

Keywords:

hydrogen chloride chemical reaction stoichiometry

If you have further questions or need additional calculations, feel free to ask!