Question

Identify the acid which matches the following description:

The acid on mixing with silver nitrate solution produces a white precipitate which is soluble in excess ammonium hydroxide.

Answer 1

1. Hydrochloric acid$\left(\mathrm{HCl}\right)$ on mixing with silver nitrate$\left({\mathrm{AgNO}}_3\right)$ solution produces a white precipitate which is soluble in excess ammonium hydroxide.$\left({\mathrm{NH}}_4\mathrm{OH}\right)$
2. When hydrochloric acid$\left(\mathrm{HCl}\right)$is added to silver nitrate$\left({\mathrm{AgNO}}_3\right)$, a thick curdy white precipitate of silver chloride$\left(\mathrm{AgCl}\right)$ is formed first.
3. It is soluble in ammonium hydroxide$\left({\mathrm{NH}}_4\mathrm{OH}\right)$ solution due to the formation of a complex salt $[\mathrm{Ag}{\left({\mathrm{NH}}_3\right)}_2\mathrm{Cl}$ [diamminesilver $\left(I\right)$chloride].