What is the mole ratio of #H_2O# to #H_3PO_4# in the following chemical equation? #P_4O_10 + 6H_2O -> 4H_3PO_4#?

1 Answer
anor277
Mar 11, 2017

Well the stoichiometry demands 6 equiv of water per 1 equiv water.

Explanation:

And so the molar ration is #6:1#, #"water:phosphoric acid"#.......

And you have written the stoichiometrically balanced chemical reaction to inform you.

Note that #P_4O_10# is a common laboratory reagent for drying halogenated reagents such as methylene chloride. Because #P_4O_10# reacts with atmospheric water, often when you open a used bottle of phosphorus pentoxide, you see a sticky white syrup on the surface of the reagent, where atmospheric water has reacted with the oxide. When you dig down, sometimes you find the actual reagent, which should be a free-flowing powder.

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