Question

If a hydrate of the formula MCl * xH2O decomposes when heated to produce HCL, what change would you expect to occur when a piece of litmus paper is held in the path of the vapor released?

Answer 1

Since HCl is an acid when dissolved in water (the water probably comes off at the same time), I would expect the litmus paper to show an acid color. Do you know what that color is?

Answer 2

Is it red?

Answer 3

Right you are.
Bases turn red litmus blue.
Acids turn blue litmus red.

Answer 4

Thank you so much!