The reaction between nickel metal and hydrochloric acid is not a simple dissolution. The product formed is NiCl₂ • 6 H₂O (s), nickel (II) chloride hexahydrate, which has exactly 6 waters of hydration in the crystal lattice for every nickel ion. What is the molar mass of nickel (II) chloride hexahydrate, NiCl₂ • 6 H₂O (s)?

• A. 228.99 g/mol
• B. 231.01 g/mol
• C. 234.71 g/mol
• D. 237.69 g/mol

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the chemical formula for nickel (II) chloride hexahydrate, which is NiCl2 • 6 H2O.
2. Determine the atomic masses of each element involved: Nickel (Ni), Chlorine (Cl), Hydrogen (H), and Oxygen (O). Use the periodic table for accurate values.
3. Calculate the molar mass of NiCl2 by adding the atomic mass of Nickel (Ni) and twice the atomic mass of Chlorine (Cl).
4. Calculate the molar mass of 6 H2O by multiplying the molar mass of water (H2O) by 6. Remember that the molar mass of water is the sum of twice the atomic mass of Hydrogen (H) and the atomic mass of Oxygen (O).
5. Add the molar mass of NiCl2 and the molar mass of 6 H2O to find the total molar mass of NiCl2 • 6 H2O.