Question
GeneralGeneralGeneral

For the equilibrium of SO2Cl2, what is the reaction and expression?

Verified Answer

The equilibrium involving sulfuryl chloride (SO₂Cl₂) is its decomposition reaction:

Balanced Chemical Equation:

SO₂Cl₂ (g) ⇌ SO₂ (g) + Cl₂ (g)

Equilibrium Constant Expression (Kc):

According to the law of mass action:

Kc = [SO₂][Cl₂] / [SO₂Cl₂]

Where:

  • [SO₂], [Cl₂], and [SO₂Cl₂] are molar concentrations at equilibrium

Equilibrium Constant in Terms of Pressure (Kp):

For gaseous reactions:

Kp = (P_SO₂ × P_Cl₂) / P_SO₂Cl₂

Also, relation between Kp and Kc:

Kp = Kc (RT)^(Δn)

Where:

  • Δn = (1 + 1 − 1) = 1
  • So, Kp = Kc × RT

Key Insight:

  • This is a reversible reaction
  • At equilibrium, forward and backward reaction rates are equal
  • The system follows Le Chatelier’s Principle

Conclusion:

The equilibrium of SO₂Cl₂ involves its decomposition into SO₂ and Cl₂, with equilibrium expressions defined in terms of concentration (Kc) and pressure (Kp).