11 Facts on HCl + CH2Cl2: What, How To Balance & FAQs

HCl is formed when hydrogen chloride gas is combined with water, and CH2Cl2 is a colorless liquid with a sweet fragrance. Let us go over the details of how HCl and CH2Cl2 react.

Dichloromethane is a colorless, clear liquid with a sweet odor. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used as a solvent. Whereas, HCl is a colorless to slightly yellow, corrosive, nonflammable gas that is heavier than air and has a strong irritating odor at room temperature.

This article briefly evaluates “HCl + CH2Cl2” the product, type of reaction, and process to balance this reaction with some relevant facts.

What is the product of HCl and CH2Cl2?

HCl + CH2Cl2 results in the formation of methyl chloride (CH3Cl) and chlorine gas.

CH2CL2 + HClCH3Cl + 2Cl

What type of reaction is HCl + CH2Cl2?

HCl + CH2Cl2 creates a double displacement reaction. In this reaction, the radicals or ions of the 2 reacting compounds are exchanged to form 2 new compounds.

AG + BP → AB + GP

How to balance HCl + CH2Cl2?

The HCl + CH2Cl2 reaction equation can be balanced as follows:

  • Step 1: As the coefficients are 4, label all the reactants and products with A, B, C and D.
  • A CH2Cl2 + B HCl → C CH3Cl + D Cl
  • Step 2: Modify the equation by a suitable number; the coefficients are already labeled as alphabets for reactants and products.
  • C → A=C, H →2A=B=3C, Cl→ 2A=B=C=D
  • Step 3: Using Gaussian elimination, determine the values of all coefficients and variables.
  • A=5, B=2, C=5, D=1
  • Step 4: Reduce the result to the lowest, whole integer values and as a result, the balanced equation is:
  • CH2Cl2 + HCl → CH3Cl + 2Cl

HCl + CH2Cl2 titration

CH2Cl2 cannot be titrated with HCl as it is an organochlorine compound widely used as a solvent in part and relatively inert.

HCl + CH2Cl2 net ionic equation

The HCl + CH2Cl2 net ionic equation cannot be calculated as dichloromethane is not miscible with water.

HCl + CH2Cl2 intermolecular forces

  • In HCl + CH2Cl2 reaction, HCl is an ionic compound, so that there is a dipole-dipole interaction force with a London dispersion force between the hydrogen and chloride atoms.
  • Intermolecular forces in CH2Cl2 are of 2 types: dipole-dipole and London dispersion forces.

HCl + CH2Cl2 reaction enthalpy

In HCl + CH2Cl2 the enthalpy change for the reaction is △H=1482 kJ mol−1.

Is HCl + CH2Cl2 a buffer solution?

The combination of these 2 solutes would not result in a buffer solution as HCl is a strong acid rather than a weak acid.

Is HCl + CH2Cl2 a complete reaction?

The HCl + CH2Cl2 reaction is complete as they are balanced on both sides.

CH2Cl2 + HCl → CH3Cl + 2Cl

Is HCl + CH2Cl2 an exothermic or endothermic reaction?

HCl + CH2Cl2 is an endothermic reaction. The enthalpy change for the reaction is a positive value, indicating that no energy is produced.

Is HCl + CH2Cl2 reversible or irreversible reaction?

In HCl + CH2Cl2 reaction, HCl dissociation is commonly thought to be irreversible due to how far its equilibrium has shifted but it is not truly irreversible because it has the potential to reform an HCl molecule.

Is HCl + CH2Cl2 displacement reaction?

The reaction HCl + CH2Cl2 is a double displacement reaction. The radicals or ions of the 2 reacting compounds are exchanged in this reaction to form 2 new compounds.

Conclusion

We conclude that the reaction of dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) with hydrochloric acid (HCl) produces methyl chloride (CH3Cl) and chlorine gas. The HCl + CH2Cl2 reaction is a double displacement reaction.

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