Answer to Question #181633 in Chemistry for Angel

Question

Phosgene is a poisonous gas that was used during World War I. It can be formed by the reaction of carbon monoxide with chlorine gas in the equilibrium reaction:

CO(g) + Cl(g) ----> COCl2(g)

The reaction was allowed to proceed at 74*C until equilibrium was reached. The equilibrium concentrations of each species was determined and recorded as follows: [CO]=2.4 x 10^-2 M, [Cl2]=0.108M and [COCl2]=0.28 M. Calculate the equilibrium constant for the reaction at this temperature.

Answer 1

Solution:

Balanced chemical equation:

CO(g) + Cl₂(g) → COCl₂(g)

The equilibrium constant (K) expression for the reaction is:

[COCl₂] = 0.28 M

[CO] = 2.4×10^-2 M = 0.024 M

[Cl₂] = 0.108 M

Hence,

Answer: The equilibrium constant (K) for the reaction is 108 M^-1 at 74^oC.

Although the table value of K is 216 at this temperature (twice the value we obtained).