In: Chemistry
Will the following reaction take place as written (NH3 pka=37.7 and CH4 pka=47.7)?
NH3(l) + Na+CH3-(l) -------> Na+NH2-(l) + CH4(g)
The given reaction will take place. The reaction is an example of double replacement (displacement) reaction. Two compounds exchange ions to form two new compounds.
We know the relation,
Ka[NH3] = [NH2-][H+]/[NH3]
Ka[CH4] = [CH3-][H+]/[CH4]
pKa = -log[Ka]
pKa for NH3 is lower then the pKa of CH4, i.e. Ka of NH3 is higher then the Ka of CH4. Therefore, the probablity of CH4 forming CH3- and H+ is lower then NH3 going to NH2- and H+. Thus the reaction will favor forward direction and formation of NaNH2 and CH4. Hence this reaction will take place.