Problem 64 - A Complete Resource Book in Chemistry for JEE Main

Question

Hydrolysis of \(\mathrm{NCl}_{3}\) gives \(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\) and \(\mathrm{X}\). Which of the following is \(\mathrm{X} ?\) (a) \(\mathrm{HClO}_{4}\) (b) \(\mathrm{HClO}_{3}\) (c) \(\mathrm{HOCl}\) (d) \(\mathrm{HClO}_{2}\)

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The compound \(\mathrm{X}\) is \(\mathrm{HOCl}\).

Step 1: Write the Hydrolysis Reaction

The hydrolysis of nitrogen trichloride (\(\mathrm{NCl}_{3}\)) generally involves water breaking the compound into ammonia (\(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\)) and another compound. The reaction can be represented as:\[\mathrm{NCl}_{3} + \mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{O} \rightarrow \mathrm{NH}_{3} + \mathrm{X}\].

Step 2: Balance the Reaction

To balance the reaction, we need to ensure the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides. Starting with the reaction:\[\mathrm{NCl}_{3} + 3\mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{O} \rightarrow \mathrm{NH}_{3} + 3\mathrm{HOCl}\].This ensures nitrogen, chlorine, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms are balanced on both sides of the equation.

Step 3: Identify Compound X

From the balanced reaction, the hydrolysis of \(\mathrm{NCl}_{3}\) produces \(\mathrm{HOCl}\) as compound \(\mathrm{X}\).

Key Concepts

Chemical Reactions

A chemical reaction is a process where one or more substances, called reactants, are transformed into different substances, known as products. This involves breaking chemical bonds in the reactants and forming new bonds to create the products. Chemical reactions occur in many stages, such as the initial contact between molecules and the reconfiguration of their atoms. Changing conditions such as temperature or pressure can also affect how and when these reactions occur. In our exercise, we focus on the hydrolysis reaction of nitrogen trichloride ( Cl_{3} ) with water. Hydrolysis is a specific type of chemical reaction where a water molecule is used to break down a compound. As a result, Cl_{3} reacts with water to create new compounds, specifically, ammonia ( H_{3} ) and hypochlorous acid ( OCl"). Chemical reactions are important because they describe the fundamental changes happening in substances, allowing us to understand and predict the products of a reaction.

Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing a chemical equation is crucial for representing the conservation of mass, where no atoms are lost or gained in a chemical reaction. When an equation is balanced, the same number of each type of atom appears on both sides of the equation.While balancing equations, start by identifying every atom in the reactants and products. This ensures that every atom is accounted for on both sides. Use coefficients to adjust the number of molecules involved so that each type of atom appears equally.In the given exercise, the equation is: \[Cl_{3} + H_{2}O \rightarrow H_{3} + X\]. Initially, it's unbalanced. But by adjusting coefficients, the balanced equation becomes: \[Cl_{3} + 3H_{2}O \rightarrow H_{3} + 3OCl\], making sure that nitrogen, chlorine, hydrogen, and oxygen are present in equal numbers on both sides of the equation. Balancing chemical equations not only supports the laws of chemistry but also helps us make accurate predictions about the substances involved in a reaction.

Nitrogen Compounds

Nitrogen is a versatile element that forms a variety of compounds with unique properties and uses. Nitrogen compounds can behave very differently depending on which elements they pair with. Nitrogen trichloride ( Cl_{3} ) is one such compound. It is known for being volatile and can undergo several reactions, including hydrolysis. When nitrogen trichloride reacts with water, it splits into ammonia ( H_{3} ) and hypochlorous acid ( OCl"). Ammonia is a well-known nitrogen compound with a strong pungent smell, used widely in fertilizers and cleaning products. Hypochlorous acid is less stable but is used in cleaning agents and disinfectants. The study of nitrogen compounds includes examining their reactivity, uses, and impact on the environment. Understanding nitrogen compounds involves exploring their chemical structure and the types of reactions they undergo, all vital for chemistry and industrial applications.