What would be the limiting reactant if 50 grams of sodium cyanide were reacted with 70 grams of copper carbonate?

1 Answer
Apr 26, 2016

2NaC-=N + CuCO_3 rarr Na_2CO_3 + Cu(C-=N)_2

Explanation:

From the reaction above, there should 2 equiv of sodium cyanide per equiv of copper carbonate.

"Moles of sodium cyanide" = (50.0*g)/(49.1*g*mol^-1).

"Moles of copper carbonate" = (70.0*g)/(123.56*g*mol^-1).

Given the stoichiometry it is pretty clear as to which reagent is in excess, and which is in deficiency.