Question

Me:

Hello, We conducted an experiment in lab where we synthesized ZnO nano particles. Equation was Zn2+ + 2CH3COO- + Li+ + OH- --> ZnO + CH3COOH + Li+ + CH3COO- The medium used was alcohol ( absolute ethanol) for all. Now the question is, What might happen if aqueous solutions of zinc acetate and lithium hydroxide were combined in the synthetic procedure rather than ethanolic solutions? Do you expect that nano particles would form? Please help. Thanks.

Answer 1

Solution.

The equation

Zn²⁺ + 2CH₃COO^- + Li⁺ + OH^- --> ZnO + CH₃COOH + Li⁺ + CH₃COO^-

is correct for non-aqueous solutions only.

Reason: water as a solvent supports the reaction

which is the opposite to a desired one.

If you would combine the aqueous solutions of zinc acetate and lithium hydroxide you will get a white gel-precipitate of zinc hydroxyde (not nano particles at all):