Give (in order) the correct coefficients to balance the following reaction: h2sncl6 + h2s → sns2 + hcl

Let a, b, c, and d be coefficients in the balanced reaction,

a H₂SnCl₆ + b H₂S   →   c SnS₂ + d HCl

Count the atoms on both sides and set the amounts equal to each other:

• H : 2a + 2b = d

• Sn : a = c

• Cl : 6a = d

• S : b = 2c

Suppose a = 1. Then

6a = d   ⇒   d = 6

2a + 2b = d   ⇒   b = (d - 2a)/2 = 2

b = 2c   ⇒   c = b/2 = 1

So, the balanced reaction is

1 H₂SnCl₆ + 2 H₂S   →   1 SnS₂ + 6 HCl