ZnSO₄(aq) + K₄[Fe(CN)₆](aq) → Zn₂[Fe(CN)₆](s) + 2K₂SO₄(aq)
Here's a breakdown of the reaction:
* Zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) is a soluble ionic compound that dissociates into zinc ions (Zn²⁺) and sulfate ions (SO₄²⁻) in solution.
* Potassium ferrocyanide (K₄[Fe(CN)₆]) is also a soluble ionic compound that dissociates into potassium ions (K⁺) and ferrocyanide ions ([Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻) in solution.
* When these two solutions are mixed, the zinc ions (Zn²⁺) and ferrocyanide ions ([Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻) react to form zinc ferrocyanide (Zn₂[Fe(CN)₆]). This compound is insoluble in water, meaning it precipitates out of solution as a white solid.
* The potassium ions (K⁺) and sulfate ions (SO₄²⁻) remain in solution as potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄).
Important notes:
* The reaction is a double displacement reaction, where the cations and anions of the reactants exchange partners.
* The reaction is also a precipitation reaction, as a solid product (zinc ferrocyanide) is formed.
* Zinc ferrocyanide is a highly insoluble compound, making this reaction a useful way to identify the presence of either zinc or ferrocyanide ions in solution.
This reaction is often used in analytical chemistry for qualitative analysis of zinc and ferrocyanide.
