Question 136 of 513
Calcium hydroxide and ammonium chloride when heated together will give an important product. This compound may be obtained dry by
- A. dissolving it in water, recrystallizing it and then drying in the oven
- B. passing it through a concentrated aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide
- C. passing it through calcium oxide
- D. passing it through concentrated sulphuric acid
Correct Answer:
C
Explanation
The correct option for the question regarding the important product obtained from heating calcium hydroxide and ammonium chloride is **C. passing it through calcium oxide**. Let's break down the reasoning behind this answer and why the other options are not suitable.
### Step-by-Step Explanation
1. **Understanding the Reaction**:
- When calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) is heated with ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl), a chemical reaction occurs that produces calcium chloride (CaCl₂), water (H₂O), and ammonia gas (NH₃). The reaction can be summarized as follows:
\[
Ca(OH)_2 + 2NH_4Cl \rightarrow CaCl_2 + 2H_2O + 2NH_3
\]
- The ammonia gas produced can be collected and is an important product of this reaction.
2. **Drying the Product**:
- The question asks how to obtain the ammonia gas dry. Ammonia is a gas at room temperature and can be easily lost if not handled properly. To collect it in a dry form, we need to use a drying agent.
3. **Why Option C is Correct**:
- **C. Passing it through calcium oxide**: Calcium oxide (CaO), also known as quicklime, is a strong drying agent. When ammonia gas is passed through calcium oxide, it reacts with moisture (water vapor) in the gas, effectively drying it. The reaction can be represented as:
\[
CaO + H_2O \rightarrow Ca(OH)_2
\]
- This reaction shows that calcium oxide absorbs water, thus ensuring that the ammonia collected is dry.
### Why the Other Options are Incorrect
1. **Option A: Dissolving it in water, recrystallizing it, and then drying in the oven**:
- This option suggests dissolving the product in water and recrystallizing it. However, ammonia is a gas and does not dissolve well in water to form a solid that can be recrystallized. Instead, it would escape into the atmosphere, making this method ineffective for obtaining dry ammonia.
2. **Option B: Passing it through a concentrated aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide**:
- While sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a strong base and can absorb some gases, it is not an effective drying agent for ammonia. Instead, it would react with ammonia to form sodium amide (NaNH₂) or other products, which would not yield dry ammonia gas. Therefore, this option is not suitable.
3. **Option D: Passing it through concentrated sulfuric acid**:
- Concentrated sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is a strong dehydrating agent, but it is not selective for ammonia. It can react with ammonia to form ammonium bisulfate (NH₄HSO₄), which would not yield dry ammonia gas. Thus, this option is also incorrect.
### Summary of Key Points
- The reaction between calcium hydroxide and ammonium chloride produces ammonia gas, which needs to be collected dry.
- Calcium oxide is an effective drying agent for ammonia, making option C the correct choice.
- Other options either do not effectively collect ammonia or lead to unwanted reactions.
### Revision Summary
- **Calcium hydroxide and ammonium chloride produce ammonia gas when heated.**
- **Calcium oxide is a strong drying agent that effectively removes moisture from gases.**
- **Dissolving ammonia in water or using sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid does not yield dry ammonia.**
- **Understanding the properties of reactants and products is crucial in determining the correct method for collection.**