11 Facts on HCl + FeSO3: With Several Elements Reaction

The reaction between HCl + FesO3 is a reaction between the salt and an acid. Let us understand various parameters related to it in this article.

Iron(II)sulfite symbolized as FeSO3 is an inorganic triclinic crystal structure that is not a metal but of metallic origin and functions as a salt. Hydrochloric acid on the flip side is a strong corrosive mineral acid that can easily react due to its dissociative properties.

FeSO3 and HCl reaction happens because of the exchange of ions and results in another salt and weak acid both of which are in an aqueous state. Let us analyze all the factors related to it like its titration, intermolecular forces, enthalpy, etc.

What is the product of HCl and FeSO3?

HCl + FeSO3 reaction produces ferrous chloride (FeCl2) and sulfurous acid (H2SO3) in its aqueous form. Both of these products are present in the reaction mixture itself and are formed due to the exchange of ions. Hence it is an ionic and inorganic reaction.

FeSO3 + 2HCl = FeCl2 + H2SO3

products HCl FeSO3
Products of HCl + FeSO3

What type of reaction is HCl + FeSO3?

HCl + FeSO3 is a double displacement reaction also called as salt metathesis reaction.

How to balance HCl + FeSO3?     

The balancing of HCl + FeSO3 can be done following certain steps:

  • First, write the chemical equation 
  • Then write the number of atoms present on both sides of the reactant and product.
  • Balance the coefficients on both sides for each atom for reactant and product.
  • Verify the stoichiometric results and write the equation.
ElementsReactants SideProducts Side
Hydrogen (H)1 x 2 = 22
Iron (Fe)11
Sulphur (S)11
Oxygen (O)33
Chlorine (Cl)1 x 2 = 22
Number of elements

2HCl + FeSO3 = FeCl2 + H2SO3

HCl + FeSO3 net ionic equation

HCl + FeSO3 has the following net ionic equations:

FeSO3 = Fe2+ + SO32-

  • Write the solubility equation which shows the state of each substance.
  • Break both the reactant and product side into the respective ions.
  • Then remove the ions which are the same on both the reactant and product sides.
  • The net ionic equation along with spectator ions is obtained.

FeSO3(s) + 2HCl(aq) = FeCl2(aq) + H2SO3(aq)

FeSO3 + 2H+ + 2Cl = Fe2+ + 2Cl+ 2H+ + SO32-

FeSO3 = Fe2+ + SO32-

HCl + FeSO3 conjugate pairs

HCl + FeSO3 undergo acid-base reactions where the conjugation difference is based on the loss and gain of H+ ions.

  • In the reaction Cl ion is a conjugate base.
  • Similarly, SO3is a conjugate acid.

HCl and FeSO3 intermolecular forces 

HCl + FeSO3 reaction has the following intermolecular forces in its reactants.

  • HCl has London dispersion forces and dipole-dipole interaction between them. These forces have been observed due to the electronegativity difference between H+ and Cl.
  • FeSO3 is an ionic compound having Fe2+ and SO32- ions. Hence it has strong ionic or electrovalent forces governing it.

Is HCl + FeSO3 a complete reaction?

HCl + FeSO3 reaction is a complete reaction because it has reached its finish and after some time there is no scope for reversal. The reactants in the reaction are completely exhausted because of the dissociation of sulfurous acid into water and sulfur dioxide gas.

Is HCl + FeSO3 an exothermic or endothermic reaction?

HCl + FeSO3 is an endothermic reaction the process of this reaction involves the absorption of heat and dissociation of the molecule because of that at the product side.

Is HCl+ FeSO3 a redox reaction?

HCl + FeSO3 is a redox reaction where FeSO3 is a reducing agent undergoing oxidation. Similarly, HCl will undergo reduction by the loss of hydrogen. 

Is HCl + FeSO3 a precipitation reaction?

HCl + FeSO3 is not a precipitation reaction. This is because no precipitates or insoluble material is formed that can further be crystallized. The product FeCl2 is soluble in water and H2SO3 dissociates itself into SO2 gas and water. 

Is HCl + FeSO3 reversible or irreversible reaction?

HCl + FeSO3 reaction is irreversible as the products cannot be reversed to the reactants. The equilibrium on both sides of the reaction is more towards the right side and the reaction is a forward reaction. Apart from that the product H2SO3 further breaks down into H2O and SO2.

Is HCl + FeSO3 displacement reaction?

HCl + FeSO3 is a double displacement reaction where there will be a shifting of ions between the reactants to form products. The Fe2+ ion from FeSO3 will be replaced by the Clion from HCl. This leads to the FeCl2 product. On a similar line, H2SO3 will form.

Conclusion

Concluding the article then the reaction between HCl and FeSO3 is a double displacement reaction. It shows all the characteristics of a conjugate acid-base reaction. It would not be a neutralization reaction.