Silicon tetrachloride (#SiCl_4#) can be prepared by heating #Si# in chlorine gas: #Si (s) + 2Cl_2(g) -> SiCl_4(l)#. In one reaction, 0.507 mole of #SiCl_4# is produced. How many moles of molecular chlorine were used in the reaction?

1 Answer
anor277
Aug 28, 2016

Stoichiometry demands at least #1.14# #mol# of #Cl_2# gas.

Explanation:

The stoichiometric equation, which you have correctly written, clearly and explicitly shows that #1# #mol# of silicon (approx. #28*g#) reacts with #2*"moles"# of chlorine gas (approx. #71*g#) to give #1# #mol# of #SiCl_4#.

The equation establishes both the molar and mass balance.

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