A metal M which is not affected by strong acids like conc. HNO3, conc. H2SO4 and conc. solution of a β d and f Block Elements Chemistry Question
Question
A metal M which is not affected by strong acids like conc. HNO3, conc. H2SO4 and conc. solution of alkalies like NaOH, KOH forms MCl3, which finds use for tanning in photography? The metal M is :
π‘ Solution & Explanation
Step 1: Aqua-regia is a 3:1 mixture of concentrated HCl and concentrated HNO3, which generates nascent chlorine ([Cl]) and nitrosyl chloride (NOCl) as powerful oxidizing agents. Step 2: When mercury is treated with heated aqua-regia, it is oxidized to mercury(II) chloride (HgCl2): 3Hg + 6HCl + 2HNO3 -> 3HgCl2 + 2NO + 4H2O. Step 3: Thus, the compound formed is mercuric chloride (HgCl2), corresponding to option (b).