Question

How do you balance `IrCl_3 + Ca(OH)_2 -> Ir_2O_3 + HCl + CaCl_2`?

Answer 1

`2IrCl_3 + 3Ca(OH)_2 rarr Ir_2O_3 + 3CaCl_2 + 3H_2O`

Explanation:

As Ernest wrote, `HCl` will not result from the reaction. While the reaction product would be exceedingly difficult to characterize, an `Ir(OH)_3` species would probably precipitate to give a hydrous oxide of `Ir(III)`:

`Ir^(3+) + 3HO^(-) rarr 2Ir(OH)_3 rarr Ir_2O_3 + 3H_2O`

Of course if you did this reaction you would have to collect all of the solid. Not only is iridium a heavy metal, it is also a precious metal, that is worth a lot of money per gram.