Question

The compound PtCl2(NH3)2 is effective as a
treatment for some cancers. It is synthesized
by the reaction shown in the equation
K2PtCl4(aq) + 2 NH3(aq) →
2 KCl(aq) + PtCl2(NH3)2(aq).
How much K2PtCl4 must react in order to
produce 22.6 g of PtCl2(NH3)2?

We have to answer it in units of mol. Help?

Answer 1

So, you first need to convert the mass of the product to moles, then use those to trace back how much you need by using their stoichiometric ratio. Set up a ratio using the species of interest, like so:

e.g. for a general reaction:

\(\color{red}{a}A + \color{blue}{b}B\) \(\rightleftharpoons\) \( \color{green}{c}C\)

where upper case are the species (A,B,C), and lower case (a,b,c) are the coefficients ,

\(\dfrac{n_A}{\color{red}{a}}=\dfrac{n_B}{\color{blue}{b}}=\dfrac{n_C}{\color{green}{c}}\)

From here you can isolate what you need.
For example: if you have 2 moles of B, how many moles of C can you produce?

solve algebraically: \(\dfrac{2}{\color{blue}{b}}=\dfrac{n_C}{\color{green}{c}}\rightarrow n_C=\dfrac{2*\color{green}{c}}{\color{blue}{b}}\)
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To convert mass to moles, use the relationship:

\(n=\dfrac{m}{M}\)

where, M=molar mass, m=mass, and n= moles.

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