The balanced chemical reaction is given to be, P4 + 6Cl2 --> 4PCl3 The masses of the involved chemicals are calculated below. P4 = (4)(30.97 g/mol) = 123.88 g 6Cl2 = (6)(35.45g/mol)(2) = 425.4 g 4PCl3 = (4)(30.97 + 3x35.45) = 549.28 g
With the given masses from this item, we solve for the mass of PCl3 by ratio and proportion. 62.4 g P x (549.28 g PCl3 / 123.88 g P) = 276.679 g PCl3 136.2 g Cl x (549.28 g PCl3 / 425.4 g Cl) = 175.86 g PCl3
Since, lesser PCl3 is produced from the 136.2 g of Cl then Cl is the limiting reactant and the answer is 175.86 g of PCl3.
