1.7.11

Common-Ion Effect

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Common-Ion Effect

Compared with pure water, the solubility of an ionic compound is less in aqueous solutions containing a common ion. This is an example of a phenomenon known as the common ion effect.

Common-Ion Effect

Common-Ion Effect

  • Compared with pure water, the solubility of an ionic compound is less in aqueous solutions containing a common ion.
    • A common ion is one also produced by dissolution of the ionic compound.
  • This is an example of a phenomenon known as the common-ion effect.
  • The common-ion effect is a consequence of the law of mass action that may be explained using Le Châtelier’s principle.
Example

Example

  • Consider the dissolution of silver iodide:
    • AgI(s) ⇌ Ag+(aq)+I(aq)
  • This solubility equilibrium may be shifted left by the addition of either silver(I) or iodide ions.
  • This would resulti n the precipitation of AgI and lowered concentrations of dissolved Ag+ and I.
  • In solutions that already contain either of these ions, less AgI may be dissolved than in solutions without these ions.
𝐾<sub>sp</sub> & common-ion effect

𝐾sp & common-ion effect

  • This effect may also be explained in terms of mass action as represented in the solubility product expression:
    • 𝐾sp = [Ag+][I]
  • The mathematical product of silver(I) and iodide ion molarities is constant in an equilibrium mixture regardless of the source of the ions.
  • So, an increase in one ion’s concentration must be balanced by a proportional decrease in the other.
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1.9

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Analytical Techniques

3.10

Organic Synthesis

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