How does metathesis occur between silver(I) nitrate, and copper(II) choride in aqueous solution?

1 Answer
anor277
Sep 8, 2016

#2AgNO_3(aq) +CuCl_2(aq) rarr Cu(NO_3)_2(aq) + 2AgCl(s)darr#

Explanation:

The silver halide precipitates as a curdy white solid. Copper nitrate remains in solution. This is an expensive way to make copper salts.

A better means might be via the lead salt:

#Pb(NO_3)_2(aq) +CuCl_2(aq) rarr Cu(NO_3)_2(aq) + PbCl_2(s)darr#

At least this way you don't get silver salts, which have a tendency to reduce. #PbCl_2# is fairly insoluble in cold water, and non-redox active.

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