Question

What is the maximum mass of TiCl4 that can be obtained from 79.0 g TiO2, 37.9 g Cl2 and excess carbon? Please show all your steps.

3 TiO2(s) + 6 Cl2 + 4 C(s) --> 3 TiCl4(g) + 2 CO2(g) + 2 CO(g)

Molar Masses:TiO2-79.88, Cl2-70.90, TiCl4-189.68

Answer 1

This is a limiting reagent (LR) problem.
1. Write and balance the equation. You have that.
2a. mols TiO2 = grams/molar mass = ?
2b. mols Cl2 = grams/molar mass = ?

3a. Using the coefficients in the balanced equation, convert mols TiO2 to mols of the product.
3b. Do the same for mols Cl2 to mols TiCl4.
3c. It is likely these two values in 3a and 3b will not agree.
3d. The correct value in LR problems is ALWAYS the smaller number and the reagent producing that number is the LR.

4. Using the smaller value, convert mols to grams. g = mols x molar mass