Cl₂(g) + 2NaI(aq) → 2NaCl(aq) + I₂(s)
Here's what happens in this reaction:
* Chlorine (Cl₂) gas is a more reactive halogen than iodine.
* Sodium iodide (NaI) is a soluble ionic compound.
* The chlorine displaces the iodine in the sodium iodide, forming sodium chloride (NaCl), which is also soluble.
* The displaced iodine (I₂) forms a solid precipitate.
This reaction is a classic example of a single displacement reaction, where a more reactive element displaces a less reactive element from a compound. You can observe this reaction by adding chlorine gas to a solution of sodium iodide. The solution will turn brown due to the formation of iodine.