How do you balance #IrCl_3 + Ca(OH)_2 -> Ir_2O_3 + HCl + CaCl_2#?

1 Answer
Apr 25, 2016

#2IrCl_3 + 3Ca(OH)_2 rarr Ir_2O_3 + 3CaCl_2 + 3H_2O#

Explanation:

As Ernest wrote, #HCl# will not result from the reaction. While the reaction product would be exceedingly difficult to characterize, an #Ir(OH)_3# species would probably precipitate to give a hydrous oxide of #Ir(III)#:

#Ir^(3+) + 3HO^(-) rarr 2Ir(OH)_3 rarr Ir_2O_3 + 3H_2O#

Of course if you did this reaction you would have to collect all of the solid. Not only is iridium a heavy metal, it is also a precious metal, that is worth a lot of money per gram.