Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Reaction Mechanism Confirmation

Sniffity - 17-10-2015 at 15:25

Hey!

I've tried to propose a reaction mechanism between bismuth subsalicylate and hydrochloric acid. I've found no references to this online, so I've basically worked it up from scratch. Something seems off though.

Could anyone please confirm?

image.jpg - 4kB

Crowfjord - 17-10-2015 at 15:53

Your electron-pushing arrows are going the wrong direction, for starters. They are going from protons, which have no electrons, to atoms. Reverse that, and start from the beginning. Also, if this is for a reaction with hydrochloric acid (aqueous) and not dry HCl, water will take part in the reaction and mechanism. Hopefully that should help set you straight.

[Edited on 17-10-2015 by Crowfjord]

Sniffity - 17-10-2015 at 16:49

D: Got the arrows half the arrows the other way around when I was editing in paint, you're right.

xD I actually missed that, thanks!

How is water involved in the reaction? I was thinking you could be formal and use hydronium ions as opposed to protons in the mechanism, but other than that..?

blogfast25 - 17-10-2015 at 18:31

Quote: Originally posted by Sniffity  

How is water involved in the reaction? I was thinking you could be formal and use hydronium ions as opposed to protons in the mechanism, but other than that..?


What is 'be formal' mean here?

No hydronium (oxonium) ions without water.

Sniffity - 17-10-2015 at 20:01

Yeah, water's required to make hydronium ions alright, what I meant is for a protonation, the net result is the same whether you use a hydronium and protonate or use a straight up proton. For the most part, I see straight up proton's used, but if you want to be "formal" I guess the right way to do it is by using a hydronium ion, correct?

Is water involved in the reaction in any other way?