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Metal aqua ions are often involved in the formation of complexes. The reaction may be written as pM x+ (aq) + qL y− → [M p L q] (px-qy)+ In reality this is a substitution reaction in which one or more water molecules from the first hydration shell of the metal ion are replaced by ligands, L. The complex is described as an inner-sphere complex.
The following chart shows the solubility of various ionic compounds in water at 1 atm pressure and room temperature (approx. 25 °C, 298.15 K). "Soluble" means the ionic compound doesn't precipitate, while "slightly soluble" and "insoluble" mean that a solid will precipitate; "slightly soluble" compounds like calcium sulfate may require heat to precipitate.
The most reactive metals, such as sodium, will react with cold water to produce hydrogen and the metal hydroxide: . 2 Na (s) + 2 H 2 O (l) →2 NaOH (aq) + H 2 (g). Metals in the middle of the reactivity series, such as iron, will react with acids such as sulfuric acid (but not water at normal temperatures) to give hydrogen and a metal salt, such as iron(II) sulfate:
Metals are insoluble in water or organic solvents, unless they undergo a reaction with them. Typically, this is an oxidation reaction that robs the metal atoms of their itinerant electrons, destroying the metallic bonding. However metals are often readily soluble in each other while retaining the metallic character of their bonding.
Zinc chemistry resembles that of the late first-row transition metals, nickel and copper, [53] as well as certain main group elements. Almost all zinc compounds have the element in the +2 oxidation state. [54] When Zn 2+ compounds form, the outer shell s electrons are lost, yielding a bare zinc ion with the electronic configuration [Ar]3d 10. [55]
Zinc is a strong reducing agent with a standard redox potential of −0.76 V. Pure zinc tarnishes rapidly in air, rapidly forming a passive layer. The composition of this layer can be complex, but one constituent is probably basic zinc carbonate, Zn 5 (OH) 6 CO 3. [8] The reaction of zinc with water is slowed by this passive layer.
However, if a metal reacts with steam, like magnesium, metal oxide is produced as a result of metal hydroxides splitting upon heating. [ 12 ] The hydroxides of calcium, strontium and barium are only slightly water-soluble but produce sufficient hydroxide ions to make the environment basic , giving a general equation of:
As a result, zinc and cadmium metal are good reducing agents. The elements of group 12 have an oxidation state of +2 in which the ions have the rather stable d 10 electronic configuration, with a full sub-shell. However, mercury can easily be reduced to the +1 oxidation state; usually, as in the ion Hg 2+