Question

How would an equation be written for the dissociation of ionic solutes in water?

Answer 1

1) Assume M refers to a general element and Z referes to other general element.

2) Assume the chemical formula of the ionic compound is MₓZₐ

3) Then the dissociaton would be written:


MₓZₐ → XMᵃ⁺ + AZˣ⁻

That means that the ionic compoud will lead to the X cations Mᵃ⁺ whose oxidation state are a+, and A anions Zˣ⁻ whose oxidation state is x⁻.

5) For example: MgBr₂ (aq) → Mg⁺² (aq) + 2Br⁻ (aq)


6) Explanation: since the water molecules are polar, they will surround (solvate) the three ions that form the compound MgBr₂, overcoming the electrostatic forces that hold together the atoms in the ionic lattice.