Question

What is the total ionic equation for the following reaction?

HCN + LiOH mc001-1.jpg

H+ + OH– mc001-2.jpg H2O

CN– + Li+ mc001-3.jpg Li+ + CN–

H+ + CN– + Li+ + OH– mc001-4.jpg Li+ + CN– + H2O

Answer 1

Molecular equation:
HCN(aq) + LiOH(aq) -> LiCN(aq) + H2O(l)

Total ionic equation (dissociate strong electrolytes; HCN is a weak acid, so remains undissociated):
HCN(aq) + Li+(aq) + OH–(aq) -> Li+(aq) + CN–(aq) + H2O(l)

Net ionic equation (cancel spectator Li+):
HCN(aq) + OH–(aq) -> CN–(aq) + H2O(l)

Spectator ion: Li+.