Phosphorous trichloride can be formed via a combination reaction from its elements. phosphorous is often represented by its empirical formula, p, in chemical equations, as is carbon. if 12.39 g of phosphorous is combined with 42.54 g of chlorine, what mass of phosphorous trichloride could be formed?

Explanation:

We are given the masses of two reactants and asked to determine the mass of the product.

This looks like a limiting reactant problem.

1. Assemble the information

We will need a balanced equation with masses and molar masses, so let’s gather all the information in one place.  

MM:          30.97        70.91     137.33

                   2P     +     3Cl₂ ⟶ 2PCl₃

Mass/g:     12.39        42.54  

2. Calculate the moles of each reactant

3. Calculate the moles of PCl₃ from each reactant

4. Identify the limiting reactant

Cl₂ is the limiting reactant because it gives fewer moles of PCl₃

5. Calculate the mass of PCl₃

vanderwaal's forces of attraction are the electrostatic intermolecular forces that exist in a molecule due to the temporary or permanent dipoles that are developed in a molecule. in , the major intermolecular forces are dipole-dipole interactions as the molecule is polar (bent structure). so the vanderwaal's forces of interaction in between molecules are the permanent dipole-dipole interactions that develop due to the dipole that exists in between the polar h - s bond. the positively charged hydrogen atom is attracted towards the negative end of the dipole that is sulfur of the adjacent molecule. therefore, these forces of attraction are relatively stronger than that of london dispersion forces that exist in non polar molecules.