This formula equation is unbalanced. P4 (s) + Cl2 (g) Right arrow. PCl3 (l) Which coefficient should be placed in front of PCl3 to balance this equation?

the coefficient that should be placed in front of PCl₃ is 4

The balance equation is:

P₄ (s) + 6Cl₂ (g) → 4PCl₃ (l)

Therefore the coefficient that should be placed in front of PCl₃ is 4

Explanation:

The unbalanced reaction is:

P₄ (s) + Cl₂ (g) → PCl₃ (l)

As we have 4 atoms of P, we need to add 4 in front of the PCl₃ but now we unbalance the chlorine.

In 4 moles of PCl₃ we have 12 Cl, so we must add 6 in the Cl₂ on the reactant side.

The balance equation will be:

P₄ (s) + 6Cl₂ (g) → 4PCl₃ (l)