Question

Differentiate between double salt and complex salt by giving two examples of each.

Hint:

Double salts lose their identity in solution, whereas complex salts retain their complex ion structure.

Answer 1

Step 1: Double salt.
- Double salts are crystalline salts formed by the combination of two simple salts in a fixed ratio.
- They dissociate completely into their constituent ions when dissolved in water.
- Examples: \(\text{Mohr’s salt (FeSO\(_4\) \cdot (NH\(_4\))\(_2\)SO\(_4\) \cdot 6H\(_2\)O)}\), \(\text{Carnallite (KCl \cdot MgCl\(_2\) \cdot 6H\(_2\)O)}\).
Step 2: Complex salt.
- Complex salts consist of a central metal ion bonded to ligands through coordinate bonds.
- They do not dissociate completely into simple ions; instead, they give a complex ion in solution.
- Examples: \([Cu(NH\(_3\))_4]SO_4\), \([Ag(CN)_2]K\). Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{Double salt → Complete dissociation, Complex salt → Gives complex ions in solution.}} \]