Hydrolysis of metal aqua ions
Hydrolysis of metal aqua ions
Formula
[M(H₂O)₆]³⁺ + H₂O ⇌ [M(H₂O)₅(OH)]²⁺ + H₃O⁺
Real World
Iron(III) chloride spread on roads as a de-icer produces acidic runoff (pH ≈ 3) that corrodes nearby metal bridges — this acidity comes from hydrolysis of Fe³⁺ aqua ions, not from HCl.
Exam Focus
Show stepwise loss of H⁺ in equations — examiners expect correct charges on each successive hydroxo complex formed.
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