Redox Reactions

Where there is oxidation, there is always reduction – Chemistry is essentially a study of redox systems.
Chemistry deals with varieties of matter and change of one kind of matter into the other. Transformation of matter from one kind into another occurs through the various types of reactions. One important category of such reactions is Redox Reactions. A number of phenomena, both physical as well as biological, are concerned with redox reactions. These reactions find extensive use in pharmaceutical, biological, industrial, metallurgical and agricultural areas. The importance of these reactions is apparent from the fact that burning of different types of fuels for obtaining energy for domestic, transport and other commercial purposes, electrochemical processes for extraction of highly reactive metals and non-metals, manufacturing of chemical compounds like caustic soda, operation of dry and wet batteries and corrosion of metals fall within the purview of redox processes. Of late, environmental issues like Hydrogen Economy (use of liquid hydrogen as fuel) and development of ‘Ozone Hole’ have started figuring under redox phenomenon.
8.1 CLASSICAL IDEA OF REDOX REACTIONS – OXIDATION AND REDUCTION REACTIONS Originally, the term oxidation was used to describe the addition of oxygen to an element or a compound. Because of the presence of dioxygen in the atmosphere (~20%), many elements combine with it and this is the principal reason why they commonly occur on the earth in the form of their oxides. The following reactions represent oxidation processes according to the limited definition of oxidation:
2Mg(s) + O2(g) → 2MgO(s) (8.1)
S(s) + O2 (g) → SO2(g) (8.2)
In reactions (8.1) and (8.2), the elements magnesium and sulphur are oxidised on account of addition of oxygen to them. Similarly, methane is oxidised owing to the addition of oxygen to it.
CH4 (g) + 2O2 (g) → CO2(g) + 2H2O(l) (8.3)
A careful examination of reaction (8.3) in which hydrogen has been replaced by oxygen prompted chemists to reinterpret oxidation in terms of removal of hydrogen from it and, therefore, the scope of term oxidation was broadened to include the removal of hydrogen from a substance. The following illustration is another reaction where removal of hydrogen can also be cited as an oxidation reaction.
2H2S(g) + O2(g) → 2S(s) + 2H2O(l) (8.4)
As knowledge of chemists grew, it was natural to extend the term oxidation for reactions similar to (8.1 to 8.4), which do not involve oxygen but other electronegative elements. The oxidation of magnesium with fluorine, chlorine and sulphur etc. occurs according to the following reactions :
Mg(s) + F2(g) → MgF2(s) (8.5) Mg(s) + Cl2 (g) → MgCl2 (s) (8.6) Mg(s) + S(s) → MgS(s) (8.7)
Incorporating the reactions (8.5 to 8.7) within the fold of oxidation reactions encouraged chemists to consider not only the removal of hydrogen as oxidation, but also the removal of electropositive elements as oxidation. Thus the reaction :
2K4[Fe(CN)6](aq) + H2O2(aq) →2K3[Fe(CN)6](aq) + 2KOH(aq)
is interpreted as oxidation due to the removal of electropositive element potassium from potassium ferrocyanide before it changes to potassium ferricyanide. To summarise, the term ‘oxidation’ is defined as the addition of oxygen/electronegative element to a substance or removal of hydrogen electropositive element from a substance.
In the beginning, reduction was considered as removal of oxygen from a compound. However, the term reduction has been broadened these days to include removal of oxygen/electronegative element from a substance or addition of hydrogen electropositive element to a substance.
According to the definition given above, the following are the examples of reduction processes:

(removal of electronegative element, chlorine from ferric chloride)
CH2 = CH2(g) + H2(g) → H3C-CH3(g) (8.10)
(addition of hydrogen)
2HgCl2(aq) + SnCl2(aq) → Hg2Cl2(s)+SnCl4(aq) (8.11)
(addition of mercury to mercuric chloride)
In reaction (8.11) simultaneous oxidation of stannous chloride to stannic chloride is also occurring because of the addition of electronegative element chlorine to it. It was soon realised that oxidation and reduction always occur simultaneously (as will be apparent by re-examining all the equations given above), hence, the word ‘redox’ was coined for this class of chemical reactions.
Problem 8.1
In the reactions given below, identify the species undergoing oxidation and reduction:
(i) H2S(g) + Cl2(g) → 2HCl(g) + S(s)
(ii)3Fe3O4(s) + 8Al(s) → 9Fe(s) + 4Al2OM3(s)
(iii) 2Na(s) + H2(g) → 2NaH (s)
Solution
(i) H2S is oxidised because a more electronegative element, chlorine is added to hydrogen (or a more electropositive element, hydrogen has been removed from S). Chlorine is reduced due to addition of hydrogen to it.
(ii) Aluminium is oxidised because oxygen is added to it. Ferrous ferric oxide (Fe3O4) is reduced because oxygen has been removed from it.
(iii) With the careful application of the concept of electronegativity only we may infer that sodium is oxidised and hydrogen is reduced.
Reaction (iii) chosen here prompts us to think in terms of another way to define redox reactions.
8.2 REDOX REACTIONS IN TERMS OF ELECTRON TRANSFER REACTIONS
We have already learnt that the reactions
2Na(s) + Cl2(g) → 2NaCl(s) (8.12)
2Na(s) + O2(g) → Na2O(s) (8.13)
2Na(s) + S(s) → Na2S(s) (8.14)
are redox reactions because in each of these reactions sodium is oxidised due to the addition of either oxygen or more electronegative element to sodium. Simultaneously, chlorine, oxygen and sulphur are reduced because to each of these, the  electropositive element sodium has been added. From our knowledge of chemical bonding we also know that sodium chloride, sodium oxide and sodium sulphide are ionic compounds and perhaps better written as Na+Cl-(s), (Na+)2O2-(s), and (Na+)2S2-(s). Development of charges on the species produced suggests us to rewrite the reactions (8.12 to 8.14) in the following manner :
For convenience, each of the above processes can be considered as two separate steps, one involving the loss of electrons and the other the gain of electrons. As an illustration, we may further elaborate one of these, say, the formation of sodium chloride.
2Na(s) → 2Na+(g) + 2e-
Cl2(g) + 2e- → 2 Cl-(g)
Each of the above steps is called a half reaction, which explicitly shows involvement of electrons. Sum of the half reactions gives the overall reaction :
2Na(s) + Cl2(g) → 2Na+Cl-(s) or 2NaCl(s)
Reactions 8.12 to 8.14 suggest that half reactions that involve loss of electrons are called oxidation reactions. Similarly, the half reactions that involve gain of electrons are called reduction reactions. It may not be out of context to mention here that the new way of defining oxidation and reduction has been achieved only by establishing a correlation between the behaviour of species as per the classical idea and their interplay in electron-transfer change. In reactions (8.12 to 8.14) sodium, which is oxidised, acts as a reducing agent because it donates electron to each of the elements interacting with it and thus helps in reducing them. Chlorine, oxygen and sulphur are reduced and act as oxidising agents because these accept electrons from sodium. To summarise, we may mention that
Oxidation: Loss of electron(s) by any species.
Reduction: Gain of electron(s) by any species.
Oxidising agent : Acceptor of electron(s).
Reducing agent : Donor of electron(s).
Problem 8.2 Justify that the reaction : 2Na(s) + H2(g) → 2NaH(s) is a redox change.
Solution Since in the above reaction the compound formed is an ionic compound, which may also be represented as Na+H-(s), this suggests that one half reaction in this process is :
2Na(s) → 2Na+(g) + 2e- and the other half reaction is: H2(g) + 2e- → 2H-(g) This splitting of the reaction under examination into two half reactions automatically reveals that here sodium is oxidised and hydrogen is reduced, therefore, the complete reaction is a redox change.
8.2.1 Competitive Electron Transfer Reactions Place a strip of metallic zinc in an aqueous solution of copper nitrate as shown in Fig. 8.1, for about one hour. You may notice that the strip becomes coated with reddish metallic copper and the blue colour of the solution disappears. Formation of Zn2+ ions among the products can easily be judged when the blue colour of the solution due to Cu2+ has disappeared. If hydrogen sulphide gas is passed through the colourless solution containing Zn2+ ions, appearance of white zinc sulphide, ZnS can be seen on making the solution alkaline with ammonia.
The reaction between metallic zinc and the aqueous solution of copper nitrate is :
Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq) → Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s) (8.15)
In reaction (8.15), zinc has lost electrons to form Zn2+ and, therefore, zinc is oxidised. Evidently, now if zinc is oxidised, releasing electrons, something must be reduced, accepting the electrons lost by zinc. Copper ion is reduced by gaining electrons from the zinc. Reaction (8.15) may be rewritten as:
At this stage we may investigate the state of equilibrium for the reaction represented by equation (8.15). For this purpose, let us place a strip of metallic copper in a zinc sulphate solution. No visible reaction is noticed and attempt to detect the presence of Cu2+ ions by passing H2S gas through the solution to produce the black colour of cupric sulphide, CuS, does not succeed. Cupric sulphide has such a low solubility that this is an extremely sensitive test; yet the amount of Cu2+ formed cannot be detected. We thus conclude that the state of equilibrium for the reaction (8.15) greatly favours the products over the reactants.
Let us extend electron transfer reaction now to copper metal and silver nitrate solution in water and arrange a set-up as shown in Fig. 8.2. The solution develops blue colour due to the formation of Cu2+ ions on account of the reaction:
Here, Cu(s) is oxidised to Cu2+(aq) and Ag+(aq) is reduced to Ag(s). Equilibrium greatly favours the products Cu2+ (aq) and Ag(s).
By way of contrast, let us also compare the reaction of metallic cobalt placed in nickel sulphate solution. The reaction that occurs here is :
At equilibrium, chemical tests reveal that both Ni2+(aq) and Co2+(aq) are present at moderate concentrations. In this case, neither the reactants [Co(s) and Ni2+(aq)] nor the products [Co2+(aq) and Ni (s)] are greatly favoured.
This competition for release of electrons incidently reminds us of the competition for release of protons among acids. The similarity suggests that we might develop a table in which metals and their ions are listed on the basis of their tendency to release electrons just as we do in the case of acids to indicate the strength of the acids. As a matter of fact we have already made certain comparisons. By comparison we have come to know that zinc releases electrons to copper and copper releases electrons to silver and, therefore, the electron releasing tendency of the metals is in the order: Zn>Cu>Ag. We would love to make our list more vast and design a metal activity series or electrochemical series. The competition for electrons between various metals helps us to design a class of cells, named as Galvanic cells in which the chemical reactions become the source of electrical energy. We would study more about these cells in Class XII.
8.3 OXIDATION NUMBER
A less obvious example of electron transfer is realised when hydrogen combines with oxygen
2H2(g) + O2(g) → 2H2O(l) (8.18)
Though not simple in its approach, yet we can visualise the H atom as going from a neutral (zero) state in H2 to a positive state in H2O, the O atom goes from a zero state in O2 to a dinegative state in H2O. It is assumed that there is an electron transfer from H to O and consequently H2 is oxidised and O2 is reduced.
However, as we shall see later, the charge transfer is only partial and is perhaps better described as an electron shift rather than a complete loss of electron by H and gain by O. What has been said here with respect to equation (8.18) may be true for a good number of other reactions involving covalent compounds. Two such examples of this class of the reactions are:
H2(s) + Cl2(g) → 2HCl(g) (8.19) and,
CH4(g) + 4Cl2(g) → CCl4(l) + 4HCl(g) (8.20)
In order to keep track of electron shifts in chemical reactions involving formation of covalent compounds, a more practical method of using oxidation number has been developed. In this method, it is always assumed that there is a complete transfer of electron from a less electronegative atom to a more electonegative atom. For example, we rewrite equations (8.18 to 8.20) to show charge on each of the atoms forming part of the reaction :
It may be emphasised that the assumption of electron transfer is made for book-keeping purpose only and it will become obvious at a later stage in this unit that it leads to the simple description of redox reactions.
Oxidation number denotes the oxidation state of an element in a compound ascertained according to a set of rules formulated on the basis that electron in a covalent bond belongs entirely to more electronegative element.
It is not always possible to remember or make out easily in a compound/ion, which element is more electronegative than the other. Therefore, a set of rules has been formulated to determine the oxidation number of an element in a compound/ion. If two or more than two atoms of an element are present in the molecule/ion such as Na2S2O3Cr2O72-, the oxidation number of the atom of that element will then be the average of the oxidation number of all the atoms of that element. We may at this stage, state the rules for the calculation of oxidation number. These rules are:
1. In elements, in the free or the uncombined state, each atom bears an oxidation number of zero. Evidently each atom in H2, O2, Cl2, O3, P4, S8, Na, Mg, Al has the oxidation number zero.
2. For ions composed of only one atom, the oxidation number is equal to the charge on the ion. Thus Na+ ion has an oxidation number of +1, Mg2+ ion, +2, Fe3+ ion, +3, Cl-ion, -1, O2-ion, -2; and so on. In their compounds all alkali metals have oxidation number of +1, and all alkaline earth metals have an oxidation number of +2. Aluminium is regarded to have an oxidation number of +3 in all its compounds.
3. The oxidation number of oxygen in most compounds is -2. However, we come across two kinds of exceptions here. One arises in the case of peroxides and superoxides, the compounds of oxygen in which oxygen atoms are directly linked to each other. While in peroxides (e.g., H2O2, Na2O2), each oxygen atom is assigned an oxidation number of -1, in superoxides (e.g., KO2, RbO2) each oxygen atom is assigned an oxidation number of -(½). The second exception appears rarely, i.e. when oxygen is bonded to fluorine. In such compounds e.g., oxygen difluoride (OF2) and dioxygen difluoride (O2F2), the oxygen is assigned an oxidation number of +2 and +1, respectively. The number assigned to oxygen will depend upon the bonding state of oxygen but this number would now be a positive figure only.
4. The oxidation number of hydrogen is +1, except when it is bonded to metals in binary compounds (that is compounds containing two elements). For example, in LiH, NaH, and CaH2, its oxidation number is -1.
5. In all its compounds, fluorine has an oxidation number of -1. Other halogens (Cl, Br, and I) also have an oxidation number of -1, when they occur as halide ions in their compounds. Chlorine, bromine and iodine when combined with oxygen, for example in oxoacids and oxoanions, have positive oxidation numbers.
6. The algebraic sum of the oxidation number of all the atoms in a compound must be zero. In polyatomic ion, the algebraic sum of all the oxidation numbers of atoms of the ion must equal the charge on the ion. Thus, the sum of oxidation number of three oxygen atoms and one carbon atom in the carbonate ion, (CO3)2- must equal -2. By the application of above rules, we can find out the oxidation number of the desired element in a molecule or in an ion. It is clear that the metallic elements have positive oxidation number and nonmetallic elements have positive or negative oxidation number. The atoms of transition elements usually display several positive oxidation states. The highest oxidation number of a representative element is the group number for the first two groups and the group number minus 10 (following the long form of periodic table) for the other groups. Thus, it implies that the highest value of oxidation number exhibited by an atom of an element generally increases across the period in the periodic table. In the third period, the highest value of oxidationnumber changes from 1 to 7 as indicated below in the compounds of the elements.
A term that is often used interchangeably with the oxidation number is the oxidation state. Thus in CO2, the oxidation state of carbon is +4, that is also its oxidation number and similarly the oxidation state as well as oxidation number of oxygen is -2. This implies that the oxidation number denotes the oxidation state of an element in a compound.
GROUP121314151617
ElementNaMgAlSiPSCl
CompoundNaClMgSO4AlF3SiCl4P4O10SF6HClO4
Higher oxidation number state of the group element+1+2+3+4+5+6+7
The oxidation number state of a metal in a compound is sometimes presented according to the notation given by German chemist, Alfred Stock. It is popularly known as Stock notation. According to this, the oxidation number is expressed by putting a Roman numeral representing the oxidation number in parenthesis after the symbol of the metal in the molecular formula. Thus aurous chloride and auric chloride are written as Au(I)Cl and Au(III)Cl3. Similarly, stannous chloride and stannic chloride are written as Sn(II)Cl2 and Sn(IV)Cl4. This change in oxidation number implies change in oxidation state, which in turn helps to identify whether the species is present in oxidised form or reduced form. Thus, Hg2(I)Cl2 is the reduced form of Hg(II) Cl2.
Problem 8.3 Using Stock notation, represent the following compounds :HAuCl4, Tl2O, FeO, Fe2O3, CuI, CuO, MnO and MnO2.
Solution By applying various rules of calculating the oxidation number of the desired element in a compound, the oxidation number of each metallic element in its compound is as follows:
HAuCl4 → Au has 3
Tl2O → Tl has 1
FeO → Fe has 2
Fe2O3 → Fe has 3
CuI → Cu has 1 CuO → Cu has 2
MnO → Mn has 2
MnO2 → Mn has 4
Therefore, these compounds may be represented as:
HAu(III)Cl4, Tl2(I)O, Fe(II)O, Fe2(III)O3, Cu(I)I, Cu(II)O, Mn(II)O, Mn(IV)O2.
The idea of oxidation number has been invariably applied to define oxidation, reduction, oxidising agent (oxidant), reducing agent (reductant) and the redox reaction. To summarise, we may say that:
Oxidation: An increase in the oxidation number of the element in the given substance.
Reduction: A decrease in the oxidation number of the element in the given substance.
Oxidising agent: A reagent which can increase the oxidation number of an element in a given substance. These reagents are called as oxidants also.
Reducing agent: A reagent which lowers the oxidation number of an element in a given substance. These reagents are also called as reductants.
Redox reactions: Reactions which involve change in oxidation number of the interacting species.
Problem 8.4 Justify that the reaction:
2Cu2O(s) + Cu2S(s) → 6Cu(s) + SO2(g) is a redox reaction. Identify the species oxidised/reduced, which acts as an oxidant and which acts as a reductant.
Solution
Let us assign oxidation number to each of the species in the reaction under examination. This results into:
We therefore, conclude that in this reaction copper is reduced from +1 state to zero oxidation state and sulphur is oxidised from -2 state to +4 state. The above reaction is thus a redox reaction. Further, Cu2O helps sulphur in Cu2S to increase its oxidation number, therefore, Cu(I) is an oxidant; and sulphur of Cu2S helps copper both in Cu2S itself and Cu2O to decrease its oxidation number; therefore, sulphur of Cu2S is reductant.
8.3.1 Types of Redox Reactions
1. Combination reactions
A combination reaction may be denoted in the manner:
A + B → C
Either A and B or both A and B must be in the elemental form for such a reaction to be a redox reaction. All combustion reactions, which make use of elemental dioxygen, as well as other reactions involving elements other than dioxygen, are redox reactions. Some important examples of this category are:
2. Decomposition reactions
Decomposition reactions are the opposite of combination reactions. Precisely, a decomposition reaction leads to the breakdown of a compound into two or more components at least one of which must be in the elemental state. Examples of this class of reactions are:
It may carefully be noted that there is no change in the oxidation number of hydrogen in methane under combination reactions and that of potassium in potassium chlorate in reaction (8.28). This may also be noted here that all decomposition reactions are not redox reactions. For example, decomposition of calcium carbonate is not a redox reaction.
3. Displacement reactions In a displacement reaction, an ion (or an atom) in a compound is replaced by an ion (or an atom) of another element. It may be denoted as: X + YZ → XZ + Y Displacement reactions fit into two categories: metal displacement and non-metal displacement.
(a) Metal displacement:
A metal in a compound can be displaced by another metal in the uncombined state. We have already discussed about this class of the reactions under section 8.2.1. Metal displacement reactions find many applications in metallurgical processes in which pure metals are obtained from their compounds in ores. A few such examples are:
In each case, the reducing metal is a better reducing agent than the one that is being reduced which evidently shows more capability to lose electrons as compared to the one that is reduced.
(b) Non-metal displacement: The non-metal displacement redox reactions include hydrogen displacement and a rarely occurring reaction involving oxygen displacement. All alkali metals and some alkaline earth metals (Ca, Sr, and Ba) which are very good reductants, will displace hydrogen from cold water.
Less active metals such as magnesium and iron react with steam to produce dihydrogen gas:
Many metals, including those which do not react with cold water, are capable of displacing hydrogen from acids. Dihydrogen from acids may even be produced by such metals which do not react with steam. Cadmium and tin are the examples of such metals. A few examples for the displacement of hydrogen from acids are:
Reactions (8.37 to 8.39) are used to prepare dihydrogen gas in the laboratory. Here, the reactivity of metals is reflected in the rate of hydrogen gas evolution, which is the slowest for the least active metal Fe, and the fastest for the most reactive metal, Mg. Very less active metals, which may occur in the native state such as silver (Ag), and gold (Au) do not react even with hydrochloric acid.
In section (8.2.1) we have already discussed that the metals – zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and silver (Ag) through tendency to lose electrons show their reducing activity in theorder Zn> Cu>Ag. Like metals, activity series also exists for the halogens. The power of these elements as oxidising agents decreases as we move down from fluorine to iodine in group 17 of the periodic table. This implies that fluorine is so reactive that it can replace chloride, bromide and iodide ions in solution. In fact, fluorine is so reactive that it attacks water and displaces the oxygen of water :
It is for this reason that the displacement reactions of chlorine, bromine and iodine using fluorine are not generally carried out in aqueous solution. On the other hand, chlorine can displace bromide and iodide ions in an aqueous solution as shown below:
As Br2 and I2 are coloured and dissolve in CCl4, can easily be identified from the colour of the solution. The above reactions can be written in ionic form as:
Reactions (8.41) and (8.42) form the basis of identifying Br- and I- in the laboratory through the test popularly known as ‘Layer Test’. It may not be out of place to mention here that bromine likewise can displace iodide ion in solution:
The halogen displacement reactions have a direct industrial application. The recovery of halogens from their halides requires an oxidation process, which is represented by:
2X- → X2 + 2e- (8.44)
here X denotes a halogen element. Whereas chemical means are available to oxidise Cl-, Br- and I-, as fluorine is the strongest oxidising agent; there is no way to convert F- ions to F2 by chemical means. The only way to achieve F2 from F- is to oxidise electrolytically, the details of which you will study at a later stage.
4. Disproportionation reactions
Disproportionation reactions are a special type of redox reactions. In a disproportionation reaction an element in one oxidation state is simultaneously oxidised and reduced. One of the reacting substances in a disproportionation reaction always contains an element that can exist in at least three oxidation states. The element in the form of reacting substance is in the intermediate oxidation state; and both higher and lower oxidation states of that element are formed in the reaction. The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide is a familiar example of the reaction, where oxygen experiences disproportionation. Here the oxygen of peroxide, which is present in -1 state, is converted to zero oxidation state in O2 and decreases to -2 oxidation state in H2O. Phosphorous, sulphur and chlorine undergo disproportionation in the alkaline medium as shown below :
The reaction (8.48) describes the formation of household bleaching agents. The hypochlorite ion (ClO-) formed in the reaction oxidises the colour-bearing stains of the substances to colourless compounds.
It is of interest to mention here that whereas bromine and iodine follow the same trend as exhibited by chlorine in reaction (8.48), fluorine shows deviation from this behaviour when it reacts with alkali. The reaction that takes place in the case of fluorine is as follows:
2F2(g) + 2OH-<(aq) → 2 F-(aq) + OF2(g) + H2O(l) (8.49)
(It is to be noted with care that fluorine in reaction (8.49) will undoubtedly attack water to produce some oxygen also). This departure shown by fluorine is not surprising for us as we know the limitation of fluorine that, being the most electronegative element, it cannot exhibit any positive oxidation state. This means that among halogens, fluorine does not show a disproportionation tendency.
Problem 8.5 Which of the following species, do not show disproportionation reaction and why ?
ClO-, ClO-2, ClO-3, and ClO-4
Also write reaction for each of the species that disproportionates.
Solution
Among the oxoanions of chlorine listed above, ClO-4 does not disproportionate because in this oxoanion chlorine is present in its highest oxidation state that is, +7. The disproportionation reactions for the other three oxoanions of chlorine are as follows:
Problem 8.6 Suggest a scheme of classification of the following redox reactions
(a) N2(g) + O2(g) → 2NO(g)
(b) 2Pb(NO3)2(s) → 2PbO(s) + 2NO2(g) +½O2 (g)
(c) NaH(s) + H2O(l) → NaOH(aq) + H2 (g)
(d) 2NO2(g) + 2OH-(aq) → NO2-(aq) + NO-3(aq)+H2O(l)
Solution
In reaction (a), the compound nitric oxide is formed by the combination of the elemental substances, nitrogen and oxygen; therefore, this is an example of combination redox reactions. The reaction (b) involves the breaking down of lead nitrate into three components; therefore, this is categorised under decomposition redox reaction. In reaction (c), hydrogen of water has been displaced by hydride ion into dihydrogen gas. Therefore, this may be called as displacement redox reaction. The reaction (d) involves disproportionation of NO2 (+4 state) into NO2 (+3 state) and NO3(+5 state). Therefore reaction (d) is an example of disproportionation redox reaction.
THE PARADOX OF FRACTIONAL OXIDATION NUMBER
Sometimes, we come across with certain compounds in which the oxidation number of a particular element in the compound is in fraction. Examples are: C3O2 [where oxidation number of carbon is (4/3)], Br3O8 [where oxidation number of bromine is (16/3)] and Na2S4O6 (where oxidation number of sulphur is 2.5). We know that the idea of fractional oxidation number is unconvincing to us, because electrons are never shared/transferred in fraction. Actually this fractional oxidation state is the average oxidation state of the element under examination and the structural parameters reveal that the element for whom fractional oxidation state is realised is present in different oxidation states. Structure of the species C3O2, Br3O8 and S4O6-2 reveal the following bonding situations:
The element marked with asterisk in each species is exhibiting the different oxidation state (oxidation number) from rest of the atoms of the same element in each of the species. This reveals that in C3O2, two carbon atoms are present in +2 oxidation state each, whereas the third one is present in zero oxidation state and the average is 4/3. However, the realistic picture is +2 for two terminal carbons and zero for the middle carbon. Likewise in Br3O8, each of the two terminal bromine atoms are present in +6 oxidation state and the middle bromine is present in +4 oxidation state. Once again the average, that is different from reality, is 16/3. In the same fashion, in the species S4O62-, each of the two extreme sulphurs exhibits oxidation state of +5 and the two middle sulphurs as zero. The average of four oxidation numbers of sulphurs of the S4O62- is 2.5, whereas the reality being + 5,0,0 and +5 oxidation number respectively for each sulphur.
We may thus, in general, conclude that the idea of fractional oxidation state should be taken with care and the reality is revealed by the structures only. Further, whenever we come across with fractional oxidation state of any particular element in any species, we must understand that this is the average oxidation number only. In reality (revealed by structures only), the element in that particular species is present in more than one whole number oxidation states. Fe3O4, Mn3O4, Pb3O4 are some of the other examples of the compounds, which are mixed oxides, where we come across with fractional oxidation states of the metal atom. However, the oxidation states may be in fraction as in O2+ and O2- where it is +½ and -½ respectively.
Problem 8.7 Why do the following reactions proceed differently ?
Pb3O4 + 8HCl → 3PbCl2 + Cl2 + 4H2O and Pb3O4 + 4HNO3 → 2Pb(NO3)2 + PbO2 + 2H2O
Solution
Pb3O4 is actually a stoichiometric mixture of 2 mol of PbO and 1 mol of PbO2. In PbO2, lead is present in +4 oxidation state, whereas the stable oxidation state of lead in PbO is +2. PbO2 thus can act as an oxidant (oxidising agent) and, therefore, can oxidise Cl- ion of HCl into chlorine. We may also keep in mind that PbO is a basic oxide. Therefore, the reaction
Pb3O4 + 8HCl → 3PbCl2 + Cl2 + 4H2O
can be splitted into two reactions namely:
Since HNO3 itself is an oxidising agent therefore, it is unlikely that the reaction may occur between PbO2 and HNO3. However, the acid-base reaction occurs between PbO and HNO3 as:
2PbO + 4HNO3→ 2Pb(NO3)2 + 2H2O
It is the passive nature of PbO2 against HNO3 that makes the reaction different from the one that follows with HCl.
8.3.2 Balancing of Redox Reactions
Two methods are used to balance chemical equations for redox processes. One of these methods is based on the change in the oxidation number of reducing agent and the oxidising agent and the other method is based on splitting the redox reaction into two half reactions – one involving oxidation and the other involving reduction. Both these methods are in use and the choice of their use rests with the individual using them.
(a) Oxidation Number Method: In writing equations for oxidation-reduction reactions, just as for other reactions, the compositions and formulas must be known for the substances that react and for the products that are formed. The oxidation number method is now best illustrated in the following steps:
Step 1: Write the correct formula for each reactant and product.
Step 2: Identify atoms which undergo change in oxidation number in the reaction by assigning the oxidation number to all elements in the reaction.
Step 3: Calculate the increase or decrease in the oxidation number per atom and for the entire molecule/ion in which it occurs. If these are not equal then multiply by suitable coefficients so that these become equal. (If you realise that two substances are reduced and nothing is oxidised or vice-versa, something is wrong. Either the formulas of reactants or products are wrong or the oxidation numbers have not been assigned properly).
Step 4: Ascertain the involvement of ions if the reaction is taking place in water, add H+ or OH- ions to the expression on the appropriate side so that the total ionic charges of reactants and products are equal. If the reaction is carried out in acidic solution, use H+ions in the equation; if in basic solution, use OH- ions.
Step 5 : Make the numbers of hydrogen atoms in the expression on the two sides equal by adding water (H2O) molecules to the reactants or products. Now, also check the number of oxygen atoms. If there are the same number of oxygen atoms in the reactants and products, the equation then represents the balanced redox reaction.
Let us now explain the steps involved in the method with the help of a few problems given below:
Problem 8.8 Write the net ionic equation for the reaction of potassium dichromate(VI), K2Cr2O7 with sodium sulphite, Na2SO3, in an acid solution to give chromium(III) ion and the sulphate ion.
Solution
Step 1: The skeletal ionic equation is:
Cr2O72-(aq)+ SO32-(aq)→ Cr3+(aq) + SO42-(aq) Step 2: Assign oxidation numbers for Cr and S
This indicates that the dichromate ion is the oxidant and the sulphite ion is the reductant.
Step 3: Calculate the increase and decrease of oxidation number, and make them equal:

Step 4: As the reaction occurs in the acidic medium, and further the ionic charges are not equal on both the sides, add 8H+ on the left to make ionic charges equal
Cr2O72-(aq) + 3SO32-(aq)+ 8H+→ 2Cr3+(aq)+ 3SO42-(aq)
Step 5: Finally, count the hydrogen atoms, and add appropriate number of water molecules (i.e., 4H2O) on the right to achieve balanced redox change. Cr2O72-(aq) + 3SO32-(aq)+ 8H+(aq) → 2Cr3+(aq) + 3SO42-(aq) +4H2O(l)
Problem 8.9
Permanganate ion reacts with bromide ion in basic medium to give manganese dioxide and bromate ion. Write the balanced ionic equation for the reaction.
Solution
Step 1 : The skeletal ionic equation is : MnO4(aq) + Br-(aq) → MnO2(s) + BrO3-(aq)
Step 2 : Assign oxidation numbers for Mn and Br the oxident and bromide ion is the reductant.
Step 3: Calculate the increase and decrease of oxidation number, and make the increase equal to the decrease.
Step 4: As the reaction occurs in the basic medium, and the ionic charges are not equal on both sides, add 2 OH- ions on the right to make ionic charges equal.
2MnO4-(aq) + Br-(aq) → 2MnO2(s) + BrO3(aq) + 2OH-(aq)
Step 5: Finally, count the hydrogen atoms and add appropriate number of water molecules (i.e. one H2O molecule) on the left side to achieve balanced redox change.
2MnO4-(aq) + Br-(aq) + H2O(l) → 2MnO2(s)+BrO3(aq)+2OH(aq)
(b) Half Reaction Method:
In this method, the two half equations are balanced separately and then added together to give balanced equation. Suppose we are to balance the equation showing the oxidation of Fe2+ ions to Fe3+ ions by dichromate ions (Cr2O7)2- in acidic medium, wherein, Cr2O72-ions are reduced to Cr3+ ions. The following steps are involved in this task.
Step 1: Produce unbalanced equation for the reaction in ionic form :
Fe2+(aq) + Cr2O72-(aq) → Fe3+(aq) + Cr3+(aq) (8.50)
Step 2: Separate the equation into half-reactions:
Step 3: Balance the atoms other than O and H in each half reaction individually. Here the oxidation half reaction is already balanced with respect to Fe atoms. For the reduction half reaction, we multiply the Cr3+ by 2 to balance Cr atoms.
Cr2O72-(aq) → 2 Cr3+(aq) (8.53)
Step 4: For reactions occurring in acidic medium, add H2O to balance O atoms and H+ to balance H atoms. Thus, we get :
Cr2O72- (aq) + 14H+ (aq) → 2 Cr3+(aq) + 7H2O (l)(8.54)
Step 5: Add electrons to one side of the half reaction to balance the charges. If need be, make the number of electrons equal in the two half reactions by multiplying one or both half reactions by appropriate coefficients. The oxidation half reaction is thus rewritten to balance the charge:
Fe2+ (aq) → Fe3+ (aq) + e- (8.55)
Now in the reduction half reaction there are net twelve positive charges on the left hand side and only six positive charges on the right hand side. Therefore, we add six electrons on the left side.
Cr2O72-(aq) + 14H+ (aq) + 6e- → 2Cr3+(aq) + 7H2O (l) (8.56)
To equalise the number of electrons in both the half reactions, we multiply the oxidation half reaction by 6 and write as :
6Fe2+ (aq) → 6Fe3+(aq) + 6e- (8.57)
Step 6: We add the two half reactions to achieve the overall reaction and cancel the electrons on each side. This gives the net ionic equation as :
6Fe2+(aq) + Cr2O72-(aq) + 14H+(aq) → 6 Fe3+(aq) + 2Cr3+(aq) + 7H2O(l) (8.58)
Step 7: Verify that the equation contains the same type and number of atoms and the same charges on both sides of the equation. This last check reveals that the equation is fully balanced with respect to number of atoms and the charges. For the reaction in a basic medium, first balance the atoms as is done in acidic medium. Then for each H+ion, add an equal number of OH- ions to both sides of the equation. Where H+ and OH- appear on the same side of the equation, combine these to give H2O. Problem 8.10Permanganate(VII) ion, MnO4- in basic solution oxidises iodide ion, I- to produce molecular iodine (I2) and manganese (IV) oxide (MnO2). Write a balanced ionic equation to represent this redox reaction. Solution Step 1: First we write the skeletal ionic equation, which is
MnO4-(aq) + I-(aq) → MnO2(s) + I2(s)
Step 2: The two half-reactions are:
Step 3: To balance the I atoms in the oxidation half reaction, we rewrite it as:
2I-(aq) → I2(s) Step 4:
To balance the O atoms in the reduction half reaction, we add two water molecules on the right:
MnO4-(aq) → MnO2(s) + 2H2O(l)
To balance the H atoms, we add four H+ ions on the left:
MnO4-(aq) + 4H+(aq) → MnO2(s) + 2H2O (l)
As the reaction takes place in a basic solution, therefore, for four H+ ions, we add four OH-ions to both sides of the equation:
MnO4-(aq) + 4H+ (aq) + 4OH-(aq) →MnO2 (s) + 2H2O(l) + 4OH- (aq) Replacing the H+ and OH- ions with water, the resultant equation is: MnO4-(aq) + 2H2O (l) → MnO2(s) + 4OH-(aq)
Step 5 : In this step we balance the charges of the two half-reactions in the manner depicted as:
2I-(aq) → I2 (s) + 2e- MnO4-(aq) + 2H2O(l) + 3e- → MnO2(s)+ 4OH-(aq)
Now to equalise the number of electrons, we multiply the oxidation half-reaction by 3 and the reduction half-reaction by 2.
6I-(aq) → 3I2(s) + 6e- 2 MnO4- (aq) + 4H2O (l) +6e- → 2MnO2(s) + 8OH- (aq)
Step 6: Add two half-reactions to obtain the net reactions after cancelling electrons on both sides. 6I-(aq) + 2MnO4-(aq) + 4H2O(l) → 3I2(s) + 2MnO2(s) +8OH-(aq)
Step 7: A final verification shows that the equation is balanced in respect of the number of atoms and charges on both sides.
8.3.3 Redox Reactions as the Basis for Titrations In acid-base systems we come across with a titration method for finding out the strength of one solution against the other using a pH sensitive indicator. Similarly, in redox systems, the titration method can be adopted to determine the strength of a reductant/oxidant using a redox sensitive indicator. The usage of indicators in redox titration is illustrated below:
(i) In one situation, the reagent itself is intensely coloured, e.g., permanganate ion, MnO4-. Here MnO4- acts as the self indicator. The visible end point in this case is achieved after the last of the reductant (Fe2+ or C2O42-) is oxidised and the first lasting tinge of pink colour appears at MnO4 - concentration as low as 10-6 mol dm-3 (10-6 mol L-1). This ensures a minimal ‘overshoot’ in colour beyond the equivalence point, the point where the reductant and the oxidant are equal in terms of their mole stoichiometry.
(ii) If there is no dramatic auto-colour change (as with MnO4- titration), there are indicators which are oxidised immediately after the last bit of the reactant is consumed, producing a dramatic colour change. The best example is afforded by Cr2O72-, which is not a self-indicator, but oxidises the indicator substance diphenylamine just after the equivalence point to produce an intense blue colour, thus signalling the end point.
(iii) There is yet another method which is interesting and quite common. Its use is restricted to those reagents which are able to oxidise I- ions, say, for example, Cu(II): 2Cu2+(aq) + 4I-(aq) → Cu2I2(s) + I2(aq) (8.59)
This method relies on the facts that iodine itself gives an intense blue colour with starch and has a very specific reaction with thiosulphate ions (S2O32-), which too is a redox reaction:
I2(aq) + 2S2O32-(aq)→2I-(aq) + S4O62-(aq) (8.60)
I2, though insoluble in water, remains in solution containing KI as KI3. On addition of starch after the liberation of iodine from the reaction of Cu2+ ions on iodide ions, an intense blue colour appears. This colour disappears as soon as the iodine is consumed by the thiosulphate ions. Thus, the end-point can easily be tracked and the rest is the stoichiometric calculation only.
8.3.4 Limitations of Concept of Oxidation Number As you have observed in the above discussion, the concept of redox processes has been evolving with time. This process of evolution is continuing. In fact, in recent past the oxidation process is visualised as a decrease in electron density and reduction process as an increase in electron density around the atom(s) involved in the reaction.
8.4 REDOX REACTIONS AND ELECTRODE PROCESSES The experiment corresponding to reaction (8.15), can also be observed if zinc rod is dipped in copper sulphate solution. The redox reaction takes place and during the reaction, zinc is oxidised to zinc ions and copper ions are reduced to metallic copper due to direct transfer of electrons from zinc to copper ion. During this reaction heat is also evolved. Now we modify the experiment in such a manner that for the same redox reaction transfer of electrons takes place indirectly. This necessitates the separation of zinc metal from copper sulphate solution. We take copper sulphate solution in a beaker and put a copper strip or rod in it. We also take zinc sulphate solution in another beaker and put a zinc rod or strip in it. Now reaction takes place in either of the beakers and at the interface of the metal and its salt solution in each beaker both the reduced and oxidized forms of the same species are present. These represent the species in the reduction and oxidation half reactions. A redox couple is defined as having together the oxidized and reduced forms of a substance taking part in an oxidation or reduction half reaction.
This is represented by separating the oxidised form from the reduced form by a vertical line or a slash representing an interface (e.g. solid/solution). For example in this experiment the two redox couples are represented as Zn2+/Zn and Cu2+/Cu. In both cases, oxidised form is put before the reduced form. Now we put the beaker containing copper sulphate solution and the beaker containing zinc sulphate solution side by side (Fig. 8.3). We connect solutions in two beakers by a salt bridge (a U-tube containing a solution of potassium chloride or ammonium nitrate usually solidified by boiling with agar agar and later cooling to a jelly like substance). This provides an electric contact between the two solutions without allowing them to mix with each other. The zinc and copper rods are connected by a metallic wire with a provision for an ammeter and a switch. The set-up as shown in Fig.8.3 is known as Daniel cell. When the switch is in the off position, no reaction takes place in either of the beakers and no current flows through the metallic wire. As soon as the switch is in the on position, we make the following observations:
1. The transfer of electrons now does not take place directly from Zn to Cu2+ but through the metallic wire connecting the two rods as is apparent from the arrow which indicates the flow of current.
2. The electricity from solution in one beaker to solution in the other beaker flows by the migration of ions through the salt bridge. We know that the flow of current is possible only if there is a potential difference between the copper and zinc rods known as electrodes here.
The potential associated with each electrode is known as electrode potential. If the concentration of each species taking part in the electrode reaction is unity (if any gas appears in the electrode reaction, it is confined to 1 atmospheric pressure) and further the reaction is carried out at 298K, then the potential of each electrode is said to be the Standard Electrode Potential. By convention, the standard electrode potential (EΘ) of hydrogen electrode is 0.00 volts. The electrode potential value for each electrode process is a measure of the relative tendency of the active species in the process to remain in the oxidised/reduced form. A negative EΘ means that the redox couple is a stronger reducing agent than the H+/H2 couple. A positive EΘ means that the redox couple is a weaker reducing agent than the H+/H2 couple. The standard electrode potentials are very important and we can get a lot of other useful information from them. The values of standard electrode potentials for some selected electrode processes (reduction reactions) are given in Table 8.1. You will learn more about electrode reactions and cells in Class XII.
SUMMARY
Redox reactions form an important class of reactions in which oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously. Three tier conceptualisation viz, classical, electronic and oxidation number, which is usually available in the texts, has been presented in detail. Oxidation, reduction, oxidising agent (oxidant) and reducing agent (reductant) have been viewed according to each conceptualisation. Oxidation numbers are assigned in accordance with a consistent set of rules. Oxidation number and ion-electron method both are useful means in writing equations for the redox reactions. Redox reactions are classified into four categories: combination, decomposition displacement and disproportionation reactions. The concept of redox couple and electrode processes is introduced here. The redox reactions find wide applications in the study of electrode processes and cells.
EXERCISES
8.1 Assign oxidation number to the underlined elements in each of the following species:
8.2 What are the oxidation number of the underlined elements in each of the following and how do you rationalise your results ?
8.3 Justify that the following reactions are redox reactions:
(a) CuO(s) + H2(g) → Cu(s) + H2O(g)
(b) Fe2O3(s) + 3CO(g) → 2Fe(s) + 3CO2(g)
(c) 4BCl3(g) + 3LiAlH4(s) → 2B2H6(g) + 3LiCl(s) + 3AlCl3 (s)
(d) 2K(s) + F2(g) → 2K+F- (s)
(e) 4NH3(g) + 5O2(g) → 4NO(g) + 6H2O(g)
8.4 Fluorine reacts with ice and results in the change:
H2O(s) + F2(g) → HF(g) + HOF(g) Justify that this reaction is a redox reaction.
8.5 Calculate the oxidation number of sulphur, chromium and nitrogen in H2SO5, Cr2O72-and NO3-.
Suggest structure of these compounds. Count for the fallacy.
8.6 Write formulas for the following compounds:
(a) Mercury(II) chloride
(b) Nickel(II) sulphate
(c) Tin(IV) oxide
(d) Thallium(I) sulphate
(e) Iron(III) sulphate (f) Chromium(III) oxide
8.7 Suggest a list of the substances where carbon can exhibit oxidation states from -4 to +4 and nitrogen from -3 to +5.
8.8 While sulphur dioxide and hydrogen peroxide can act as oxidising as well as reducing agents in their reactions, ozone and nitric acid act only as oxidants. Why ?
8.9 Consider the reactions:
(a) 6CO2(g) + 6H2O(l) → C6H12O6(aq) + 6O2(g)
(b) O3(g) + H2O2(l) → H2O(l) + 2O2(g)
Why it is more appropriate to write these reactions as :
(a) 6CO2(g) + 12H2O(l) → C6H12O6(aq) + 6H2O(l) + 6O2(g)
(b) O3(g) + H2O2 (l) → H2O(l) + O2(g) + O2(g)
Also suggest a technique to investigate the path of the above (a) and (b) redox reactions.
8.10 The compound AgF2 is unstable compound. However, if formed, the compound acts as a very strong oxidising agent. Why ?
8.11 Whenever a reaction between an oxidising agent and a reducing agent is carried out, a compound of lower oxidation state is formed if the reducing agent is in excess and a compound of higher oxidation state is formed if the oxidising agent is in excess. Justify this statement giving three illustrations.
8.12 How do you count for the following observations ?
(a) Though alkaline potassium permanganate and acidic potassium permanganate both are used as oxidants, yet in the manufacture of benzoic acid from toluene we use alcoholic potassium permanganate as an oxidant. Why ? Write a balanced redox equation for the reaction.
(b) When concentrated sulphuric acid is added to an inorganic mixture containing chloride, we get colourless pungent smelling gas HCl, but if the mixture contains bromide then we get red vapour of bromine. Why ?
8.13 Identify the substance oxidised reduced, oxidising agent and reducing agent for each of the following reactions:
(a) 2AgBr(s) + C6H6O2(aq) → 2Ag(s) + 2HBr (aq) + C6H4O2(aq)
(b) HCHO(l) + 2[Ag (NH3)2]+(aq) + 3OH-(aq) → 2Ag(s) + HCOO-(aq) + 4NH3(aq) + 2H2O(l)
(c) HCHO (l) + 2Cu2+(aq) + 5OH-(aq) → Cu2O(s) + HCOO-(aq) + 3H2O(l)
(d) N2H4(l) + 2H2O2(l) → N2(g) + 4H2O(l)
(e) Pb(s) + PbO2(s) + 2H2SO4(aq) → 2PbSO4(s) + 2H2O(l)
8.14 Consider the reactions :
2S2O32-(aq) + I2(s) → S4O62-(aq) + 2I-(aq) S2O32-(aq) + 2Br2(l) + 5H2O(l) → 2SO42-(aq) + 4Br-(aq) + 10H+(aq)
Why does the same reductant, thiosulphate react differently with iodine and bromine ?
8.15 Justify giving reactions that among halogens, fluorine is the best oxidant and among hydrohalic compounds, hydroiodic acid is the best reductant.
8.16 Why does the following reaction occur ?
XeO64- (aq) + 2F- (aq) + 6H+(aq) → XeO3(g)+ F2(g) + 3H2O(l)
What conclusion about the compound Na4XeO6 (of which XeO64- is a part) can be drawn from the reaction.
8.17 Consider the reactions:
(a) H3PO2(aq) + 4AgNO3(aq) + 2H2O(l) → H3PO4(aq) + 4Ag(s) + 4HNO3(aq)
(b) H3PO2(aq) + 2CuSO4(aq) + 2H2O(l) → H3PO4(aq) + 2Cu(s) + H2SO4(aq)
(c) C6H5CHO(l) + 2[Ag(NH3)2]+(aq) + 3OH-(aq) → C6H5COO-(aq) + 2Ag(s) + 4NH3(aq) + 2H2O(l)
(d) C6H5CHO(l) + 2Cu2+(aq) + 5OH-(aq) → No change observed.
What inference do you draw about the behaviour of Ag+ and Cu2+ from these reactions ?
8.18 Balance the following redox reactions by ion – electron method :
(a) MnO4-(aq) + I- (aq) → MnO2(s) + I2(s) (in basic medium)
(b) MnO4-(aq) + SO2 (g) → Mn2+ (aq) + HSO4- (aq) (in acidic solution)
(c) H2O2 (aq) + Fe2+ (aq) → Fe3+ (aq) + H2O (l) (in acidic solution)
(d) Cr2O72- + SO2(g) → Cr3+ (aq) + SO42- (aq) (in acidic solution)
8.19 Balance the following equations in basic medium by ion-electron method and oxidation number methods and identify the oxidising agent and the reducing agent.
(a) P4(s) + OH-(aq) → PH3(g) + HPO2- (aq)
(b) N2H4(l) + ClO3-(aq) → NO(g) + Cl-(g)
(c) Cl2O7 (g) + H2O2(aq) → ClO2-(aq) + O2(g) + H+
8.20 What sorts of informations can you draw from the following reaction ?
(CN)2(g) + 2OH-(aq) → CN-(aq) + CNO-(aq) + H2O(l)
8.21 The Mn3+ ion is unstable in solution and undergoes disproportionation to give Mn2+, MnO2, and H+ ion. Write a balanced ionic equation for the reaction.
8.22 Consider the elements : Cs, Ne, I and F (a) Identify the element that exhibits only negative oxidation state. (b) Identify the element that exhibits only postive oxidation state. (c) Identify the element that exhibits both positive and negative oxidation states. (d) Identify the element which exhibits neither the negative nor does the positive oxidation state.
8.23 Chlorine is used to purify drinking water. Excess of chlorine is harmful. The excess of chlorine is removed by treating with sulphur dioxide. Present a balanced equation for this redox change taking place in water.
8.24 Refer to the periodic table given in your book and now answer the following questions:
(a) Select the possible non metals that can show disproportionation reaction. (b) Select three metals that can show disproportionation reaction.
8.25 In Ostwald’s process for the manufacture of nitric acid, the first step involves the oxidation of ammonia gas by oxygen gas to give nitric oxide gas and steam. What is the maximum weight of nitric oxide that can be obtained starting only with 10.00 g. of ammonia and 20.00 g of oxygen ?
8.26 Using the standard electrode potentials given in the Table 8.1, predict if the reaction between the following is feasible: (a) Fe3+(aq) and I-(aq) (b) Ag+(aq) and Cu(s) (c) Fe3+(aq) and Cu(s) (d) Ag(s) and Fe3+(aq) (e) Br2(aq) and Fe2+(aq).
8.27 Predict the products of electrolysis in each of the following: (i) An aqueous solution of AgNO3 with silver electrodes (ii) An aqueous solution AgNO3 with platinum electrodes (iii) A dilute solution of H2SO4 with platinum electrodes (iv) An aqueous solution of CuCl2 with platinum electrodes.
8.28 Arrange the following metals in the order in which they displace each other from the solution of their salts. Al, Cu, Fe, Mg and Zn.
8.29 Given the standard electrode potentials, K+/K = -2.93V, Ag+/Ag = 0.80V, Hg2+/Hg = 0.79V Mg2+/Mg = -2.37V. Cr3+/Cr = -0.74V arrange these metals in their increasing order of reducing power.
8.30 Depict the galvanic cell in which the reaction Zn(s) + 2Ag+(aq) → Zn2+(aq) +2Ag(s) takes place, Further show:
(i) which of the electrode is negatively charged,
(ii) the carriers of the current in the cell, and
(iii) individual reaction at each electrode
Answer to Some Selected Problems
8.25 15 g
I. Multiple Choice Questions (Type-I)
1. Which of the following is not an example of redox reaction?
(i) CuO + H2 -> Cu + H2O
(ii) Fe2O3 + 3CO -> 2Fe + 3CO2
(iii) 2K + F2 -> 2KF
(iv) BaCl2 + H2SO4 -> BaSO4 + 2HCl
2. The more positive the value of EΘ, the greater is the tendency of the species to get reduced. Using the standard electrode potential of redox couples given below find out which of the following is the strongest oxidising agent.
EΘ values: Fe3+/Fe2+ = + 0.77; I2(s)/I– = + 0.54;
Cu2+/Cu = + 0.34; Ag+/Ag = + 0.80V
(i) Fe3+
(ii) I2(s)
(iii) Cu2+
(iv) Ag+
3. EΘ values of some redox couples are given below. On the basis of these values choose the correct option.
EΘ values : Br2/Br– = + 1.90; Ag+ /Ag(s) = + 0.80
Cu2+/Cu(s) = + 0.34; I2(s)/I– = + 0.54
(i) Cu will reduce Br–
(ii) Cu will reduce Ag
(iii) Cu will reduce I–
(iv) Cu will reduce Br2
4. Using the standard electrode potential, find out the pair between which redox reaction is not feasible.
EΘ values : Fe3+/Fe2+ = + 0.77; I2/I– = + 0.54;
Cu2+/Cu = + 0.34; Ag+/Ag = + 0.80 V
(i) Fe3+ and I–
(ii) Ag+ and Cu
(iii) Fe3+ and Cu
(iv) Ag and Fe3+
5. Thiosulphate reacts differently with iodine and bromine in the reactions given below: 2S2O32– + I2 → S4O62– + 2I–
S2O32– + 2Br2 + 5H2O → 2SO42– + 2Br– + 10H+
Which of the following statements justifies the above dual behaviour of thiosulphate?
(i) Bromine is a stronger oxidant than iodine.
(ii) Bromine is a weaker oxidant than iodine.
(iii) Thiosulphate undergoes oxidation by bromine and reduction by iodine in these reactions.
(iv) Bromine undergoes oxidation and iodine undergoes reduction in these reactions.
6. The oxidation number of an element in a compound is evaluated on the basis of certain  rules. Which of the following rules is not correct in this respect?
(i) The oxidation number of hydrogen is always +1.
(ii) The algebraic sum of all the oxidation numbers in a compound is zero.
(iii) An element in the free or the uncombined state bears oxidation number zero.
(iv) In all its compounds, the oxidation number of fluorine is – 1.
7. In which of the following compounds, an element exhibits two different oxidation states.
(i) NH2OH
(ii) NH4NO3
(iii) N2H4
(iv) N3H
8. Which of the following arrangements represent increasing oxidation number of the central atom?
(i) CrO2– , ClO3– , CrO42–, MnO4–
(ii) ClO3–, CrO42– , MnO4– , CrO2–
(iii) CrO2– , ClO3– , MnO4– , CrO42–
(iv) CrO42–, MnO4– , CrO2– , ClO3–
9. The largest oxidation number exhibited by an element depends on its outer electronic configuration. With which of the following outer electronic configurations the element will exhibit largest oxidation number?
(i) 3d14s2
(ii) 3d34s2
(iii) 3d54s1
(iv) 3d54s2
10. Identify disproportionation reaction
(i) CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O
(ii) CH4 + 4Cl2 → CCl4 + 4HCl
(iii) 2F2 + 2OH– → 2F– + OF2 + H2O
(iv) 2NO2 + 2OH– → NO2– + NO3– + H2O
11. Which of the following elements does not show disproportionation tendency?
(i) Cl
(ii) Br
(iii) F
(iv) I
II. Multiple Choice Questions (Type-II)
In the following questions two or more options may be correct.
12. Which of the following statement(s) is/are not true about the following decomposition reaction.
2KClO3 → 2KCl + 3O2
(i) Potassium is undergoing oxidation
(ii) Chlorine is undergoing oxidation
(iii) Oxygen is reduced
(iv) None of the species are undergoing oxidation or reduction
13. Identify the correct statement (s) in relation to the following reaction:
Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl2 + H2
(i) Zinc is acting as an oxidant
(ii) Chlorine is acting as a reductant
(iii) Hydrogen ion is acting as an oxidant
(iv) Zinc is acting as a reductant
14. The exhibition of various oxidation states by an element is also related to the outer orbital electronic configuration of its atom. Atom(s) having which of the following outermost electronic configurations will exhibit more than one oxidation state in its compounds.
(i) 3s1
(ii) 3d14s2
(iii) 3d24s2
(iv) 3s23p3
15. Identify the correct statements with reference to the given reaction
P4 + 3OH– + 3H2O → PH3 + 3H2PO2–
(i) Phosphorus is undergoing reduction only.
(ii) Phosphorus is undergoing oxidation only.
(iii) Phosphorus is undergoing oxidation as well as reduction.
(iv) Hydrogen is undergoing neither oxidation nor reduction.
16. Which of the following electrodes will act as anodes, when connected to Standard  Hydrogen Electrode?
(i)Al/Al3+EΘ = –1.66
(ii)Fe/Fe2+EΘ = – 0.44
(iii)Cu/Cu2+EΘ = + 0.34
(iv)F2(g)/2F–(aq)EΘ = + 2.87
III. Short Answer Type
17. The reaction
Cl2(g) + 2OH–(aq) → ClO–(aq) + Cl–(aq) + H2O (l)
represents the process of bleaching. Identify and name the species that bleaches the substances due to its oxidising action.
18. MnO42– undergoes disproportionation reaction in acidic medium but MnO4– does not. Give reason.
19. PbO and PbO2 react with HCl according to following chemical equations :
2PbO + 4HCl → 2PbCl2 + 2H2O
PbO2 + 4HCl → PbCl2 + Cl2 + 2H2O
Why do these compounds differ in their reactivity?
20. Nitric acid is an oxidising agent and reacts with PbO but it does not react with PbO2. Explain why?
21. Write balanced chemical equation for the following reactions:
(i) Permanganate ion (MnO4–) reacts with sulphur dioxide gas in acidic medium to produce Mn2+ and hydrogensulphate ion.(Balance by ion electron method)
(ii) Reaction of liquid hydrazine (N2H4) with chlorate ion (ClO3–) in basic medium produces nitric oxide gas and chloride ion in gaseous state.(Balance by oxidation number method)
(iii) Dichlorine heptaoxide (Cl2O7) in gaseous state combines with an aqueous solution of  hydrogen peroxide in acidic medium to give chlorite ion (ClO2–) and oxygen gas.(Balance by ion electron method)
22. Calculate the oxidation number of phosphorus in the following species.
(a) HPO32– and (b) PO43–
23. Calculate the oxidation number of each sulphur atom in the following compounds:
(a) Na2S2O3
(b) Na2S4O6
(c) Na2SO3
(d) Na2SO4
24. Balance the following equations by the oxidation number method.
(i) Fe2+ + H+ + Cr2O72– → Cr3+ + Fe3+ + H2O
(ii) I2 + NO3– → NO2 + IO3–
(iii) I2 + S2O32– → I– + S4O62–
(iv) MnO2 + C2O42– → Mn2+ + CO2
25. Identify the redox reactions out of the following reactions and identify the oxidising and reducing agents in them.
(i) 3HCl(aq) + HNO3(aq) → Cl2(g) + NOCl (g) + 2H2O (l)
(ii) HgCl2(aq) + 2KI (aq) → HgI2(s) + 2KCl (aq)
(iv) PCl3 (l) + 3H2O (l) → 3HCl (aq) + H3PO3 (aq)
(v) 4NH3 + 3O2 (g) → 2N2 (g) + 6H2O (g)
26. Balance the following ionic equations
(i) Cr2O72– + H+ + I– → Cr3+ + I2 + H2O
(ii) Cr2O72– + Fe2+ + H+ → Cr3+ + Fe3+ + H2O
(iii) MnO4– + SO32– + H+ → Mn2+ + SO42– + H2O (iv) MnO4– + H+ + Br– → Mn2+ + Br2 + H2O
IV. Matching Type
27. Match Column I with Column II for the oxidation states of the central atoms.
Column I
Column II
(i)Cr2O72-(a)+ 3
(ii)MnO4–(b)+ 4
(iii)VO3–(c)+ 5
(iv)FeF63–(d)+6
(e)+ 7
28. Match the items in Column I with relevant items in Column II.
Column I
Column II
(i)Ions having positive charge(a)+7
(ii)The sum of oxidation number of all atoms in a neutral molecule(b)–1
(iii)Oxidation number of hydrogen ion (H+)(c)+1
(iv)Oxidation number of fluorine in NaF(d)0
(v)Ions having negative charge(e)Cation
(f)Anion
V. Assertion and Reason Type
In the following questions a statement of assertion (A) followed by a statement of reason (R) is given. Choose the correct option out of the choices given below each question.
29. Assertion (A) : Among halogens fluorine is the best oxidant.
Reason (R) : Fluorine is the most electronegative atom.
(i) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(ii) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(iii) A is true but R is false.
(iv) Both A and R are false.
30. Assertion (A): In the reaction between potassium permanganate and potassium iodide, permanganate ions act as oxidising agent.
Reason (R) : Oxidation state of manganese changes from +2 to +7 during the reaction.
(i) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(ii) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(iii) A is true but R is false.
(iv) Both A and R are false.
31. Assertion (A) : The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to form water and oxygen is an example of disproportionation reaction.
Reason (R) : The oxygen of peroxide is in –1 oxidation state and it is converted to zero oxidation state in O2 and –2 oxidation state in H2O.
(i) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(ii) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(iii) A is true but R is false.
(iv) Both A and R are false.
32. Assertion (A) : Redox couple is the combination of oxidised and reduced form of a substance involved in an oxidation or reduction half cell.
Reason (R) : In the representation EΘFe3+/ Fe2+ and EΘCu2+ / Cu , Fe3+/ Fe2+ and Cu2+ / Cu are redox couples.
(i) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(ii) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(iii) A is true but R is false.
(iv) Both A and R are false.
VI. Long Answer Type
33. Explain redox reactions on the basis of electron transfer. Give suitable examples.
34. On the basis of standard electrode potential values, suggest which of the following reactions would take place? (Consult the book for EΘ value).
(i) Cu + Zn2+ → Cu2+ + Zn
(ii) Mg + Fe2+ → Mg2+ + Fe
(iii) Br2 + 2Cl– → Cl2 + 2Br–
(iv) Fe + Cd2+ → Cd + Fe2+
35. Why does fluorine not show disporportionation reaction?
36. Write redox couples involved in the reactions (i) to (iv) given in question 34.
37. Find out the oxidation number of chlorine in the following compounds and arrange them in increasing order of oxidation number of chlorine.
NaClO4, NaClO3, NaClO, KClO2, Cl2O7, ClO3, Cl2O, NaCl, Cl2, ClO2.
Which oxidation state is not present in any of the above compounds?
38. Which method can be used to find out strength of reductant/oxidant in a solution? Explain with an example.
ANSWERS
I. Multiple Choice Questions (Type-I)
1. (iv)      2. (iv)      3. (iv)       4. (iv)      5. (i)      6. (i)      7. (ii)      8. (i)      9. (iv)      10. (iv)      11. (iii)
II. Multiple Choice Questions (Type-II)
12. (i), (iv)      13. (iii), (iv)      14. (iii), (iv)      15. (iii), (iv)      16. (i), (ii)
III. Short Answer Type
17. Hypochloriteion
18. In MnO4– , Mn is in the highest oxidation state i.e. +7. Therefore, it does not undergo disproportionation. MnO42– undergoes disproportionation as follows : 3MnO42– + 4H+ → 2MnO4– + MnO2 + 2H2O
19. 2PbO + 4HCl → 2PbCl2 + 2H2O (Acid base reaction) PbO2 + 4HCl → PbCl2 + Cl2 + 2H2O (Redox reaction) (Hint : Note the oxidation number of lead in the oxides)
20. PbO is a basic oxide and simple acid base reaction takes place between PbO and HNO3. On the other hand in PbO2 lead is in + 4 oxidation state and cannot be oxidised further. Therefore no reaction takes place. Thus, PbO2 is passive, only PbO reacts with HNO3. 2PbO + 4HNO3 → 2Pb (NO3)2 + 2H2O (Acid base reaction)
22. (a) +3,      (b) +5 23. (a) +2      (b) +5, 0, 0, +5      (c) +4    
(d) +6
Justification : Write Lewis structure of each ion then assign electron pair shared between atoms of different electronegativity to more electronegative atom and distribute the electron pair shared between atoms of same element equally. Now count the number of electrons possessed by each atom. Find out the difference in number of electrons possessed by neutral atom and that possessed by atom in the compound. This difference is the oxidation number. If atom present in the compound possesses more electrons than the neutral atom, the oxidation number is negative. If it possesses less electrons then oxidation number is positive.
(i) Lewis structure of S2O42– can be written as follows :
Electron pair shared between sulphur and oxygen is assigned to oxygen atoms because of more electronegativity of oxygen. Thus each sulphur atom is deficient of two electrons with respect to neutral sulphur atom hence, each sulphur atom is in +2 oxidation state. Each oxygen atom gets two excess electrons hence, it is in –2 oxidation state. Lewis structure of S4O62– can be written as follows :
To find out oxidation state of each atom we distribute electrons of electron pair shared between two sulphur atoms equally (i.e. one electron is assigned to each sulphur atom). Both the electrons of electron pair shared between sulphur and oxygen atom are assigned to oxygen as oxygen is more electronegative. Thus we find that each of the central sulphur atoms obtain six electrons. This number is same as that in the outer shell of neutral sulphur atom hence oxidation state of central sulphur atoms is zero. Each of the sulphur atoms attached to oxygen atoms obtain only one electron as its share. This number is less by five electrons in comparison to the neutral sulphur atom. So, outer sulphur atoms are in +5 oxidation state. Therefore average oxidation state of sulphur atoms is :
(5 + 0 + 0 + 5)/4 = 10/4 = 2.5
By using the formula we obtain average oxidation state of the particular type of atoms. Real oxidation state can be obtained only by writing the complete structural formula. Similarly we can see that each oxygen atom is in – 2 oxidation state.
In the same way one can find out the oxidation state of each atom in SO32– and SO42–ions. Oxidation state of metal atoms will be +1 as these will lose one electron in each case.
IV. Matching Type
27. (i) → (d) (ii) → (e) (iii) → (c) (iv) → (a)
28. (i)→ (e) (ii) → (d) (iii) → (c) (iv) → (b) (v) → (f)
V. Assertion and Reason Type
29. (ii) 30. (iii) 31. (i) 32. (ii)
Some Useful Links
TITRIMETRIC ANALYSIS(REDOX REACTIONS)
THE oxidation and reduction reactions in aqueous solutions involve the transfer of electrons from one species to another. In the oxidation of a substance electron(s) is (are) transfered from the species and in reduction, electron(s) is (are) gained by the species. Oxidation and reduction reactions occur simultaneously. A reaction, which involves simultaneous oxidation and reduction, is called a redox reaction. The titrations involving redox reaction are called redox titrations. You know that in acid-base titrations, indicators which are sensitive to pH change are employed to note the end point. Similarly, in redox titrations there is a change in oxidation potential of the system. The indicators used in redox reactions are sensitive to change in oxidation potential. The ideal oxidation-reduction indicators have an oxidation potential intermediate between the values for the solution being titrated and the titrant and these show sharp readily detectable colour change.
EXPERIMENT 6.1
Aim
To determine the concentration/molarity of KMnO4 solution by titrating it against a 0.1 M standard solution of oxalic acid.
Theory
In the present experiment, potassium permanganate acts as a powerful oxidising agent. Although KMnO4 acts as an oxidising agent in alkaline medium also, for quantitative analysis mostly acidic medium is used. The oxidising action of KMnO4 in the acidic medium can be represented by the following equation:
MnO4– + 8H+ +5e– → Mn2+ + 4H2O
The acid used in this titration is dilute sulphuric acid. Nitric acid is not used as it is itself an oxidising agent and hydrochloric acid is usually avoided because it reacts with KMnO4 according to the equation given below to produce chlorine and chlorine which is also an oxidising agent in the aqueous solution.
2KMnO4 + 16 HCl → 2KCl + 2 MnCl2 + 5Cl2 + 8 H2O
Since, oxalic acid acts as a reducing agent, it can be titrated against potassium permanganate in the acidic medium according to the following equation:
Reactions of oxalic acid
A. Chemical equations
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B. Ionic equation
Reduction half reaction : MnO4– + 5e– + 8H+ → Mn2+ + 4H2O] x 2
Oxidation half reaction : C2O4– → 2CO2 + 2e– ] x 5
_____________________________________________________________________
2 MnO4– + 5C2O42– + 16H+ → 2Mn2+ + 10CO2 + 8H2O
_____________________________________________________________________
In these equations, MnO4– is reduced to Mn2+ and C2O42– is oxidised to CO2. The oxidation number of carbon in C2O42– changes from +3 to +4.
In these titrations, potassium permanganate acts as a selfindicator. Initially colour of potassium permanganate is discharged due to its reduction by oxalic acid. After complete consumption of oxalate ions, the end point is indicated by the appearance of a light pink colour produced by the addition of a little excess of
unreacted potassium permanganate. Further, during the titration of oxalic acid against potassium permanganate, warming of oxalic acid solution (50°–60°C) along with dilute H2SO4 is required. This is essential because the reaction takes place at higher temperature. During the titration, first manganous sulphate is formed which acts as a catalyst for the reduction of KMnO4 by oxalic acid. Therefore, in the beginning the reaction rate is slow and as the reaction proceeds, the rate of the reaction increases.
Material Required
Procedure
A. Preparation of 0.1 M standard solution of oxalic acid Prepare 0.1M oxalic acid solution as mentioned in experiment 2.1(Unit 2, Class XI, Laboratory Manual)
B. Titration of oxalic acid solution against potassium permanganate solution
(i) Rinse and fill a clean burette with potassium permanganate solution. Remove the air bubble, if any, from the nozzle of the burette by releasing some solution through it. The burette used in the permanganate titration must have a glass stop
cock as rubber is attacked by permanganate ions.
(ii) Take 10 mL of 0.1 M oxalic acid solution in a conical flask and add half of the test tube full ( 5 mL) of 1.0 M H2SO4 to it to prevent the formation of any precipitate of manganese dioxide during the course of the titration.
(iii) Heat the oxalic acid solution upto 50°– 60°C before titrating it with potassium permanganate solution taken in the burette. To increase the visibility of the colour change, place the conical flask containing the solution to be titrated over a white glazed tile kept below the nozzle of the vertically fitted burette.
(iv) Note the initial reading of the volume of permanganate solution in the burette and add it in small volumes to the hot oxalic acid solution while swirling the contents of the flask gently. The violet colour of permanganate solution is discharged on reaction with oxalic acid. The end point is indicated by the appearance of permanent light pink colour due to a slight excess of permanganate solution.
(v) Repeat the titration till three concordant readings are obtained. Since the solution of KMnO4 is of dark colour, the upper meniscus should be considered for noting the burette readings.
(vi) Record the readings as shown in observation Table 6.1 and calculate the strength of potassium permanganate solution in mols/litre.
Table 6.1 : Titration of potassium permanganate solution against standard oxalic acid solution
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Calculations
(i) The strength of the unknown solution in terms of molarity may be determined by the following equation.
a1M1V1 = a2M2V2 (6.1)
For oxalic acid vs potassium permanganate titration:
a1 = 2, (the number of electrons lost per formula unit of oxalic acid in a balanced equation of half cell reaction)
a2 = 5, (the number of electrons gained per formula unit of potassium permanganate in the balanced equation of half cell reaction)
M1 and M2 are the molarities of oxalic acid and potassium permanganate solutions used in the titration.
V1 and V2 are the volumes of oxalic acid and potassium permanganate solutions.
On putting the value of a1 and a2 in equation 6.1 we get
Oxalic acid      KMnO4
2M1V1    =    5M2V2
M2 = 2M1V1/5V2 ……..(6.2)
We can calculate the molarity of potassium permanganate solution by using equation 6.2. Strength of the solution is given by the following equation:
Strength = Molarity x Molar mass
Result
(i) Molarity of KMnO4 solution is _______.
(ii) Strength of KMnO4 solution is _______.
Precautions
(a) Always rinse the burette and the pipette with the solutions to be taken in them.
(b) Never rinse the conical flask with the experimental solutions.
(c) Remove the air gaps if any, from the burette.
(d) Never forget to remove the funnel from the burette before noting the initial reading of the burette.
(e) No drop of the liquid should hang at the tip of the burette at the end point and while noting reading.
(f) Always read the upper meniscus for recording the burette reading in the case of all coloured solutions.
(g) Never use pipette and burette with a broken nozzle.
(h) Lower end of the pipette should always remain dipped in the liquid while sucking the liquid.
(i) Do not blow out the last drop of the solution from the jet end of the pipette.
(j) The strength of the solution must be calculated up to the fourth decimal place.
(k) Do not forget to heat the mixture of oxalic acid and H2SO4 solutions between 50°–60° C while titrating it against potassium permanganate.
Discussion Questions
(i) What specific name is given to the permanganate titrations?
(ii) Which indicator is used in the permanganate titration?
(iii) Why is a burette with pinch-cock regulator not used for the permanganate titration ?
(iv) Why do we heat oxalic acid solution containing sulphuric acid up to 50–60°C in the permanganate titration?
EXPERIMENT 6.2
Aim
To determine the concentration/molarity of KMnO4 solution by titrating it against standard solution of ferrous ammonium sulphate.
Theory
Like oxalic acid, ferrous ammonium sulphate also acts as a reducing agent in the titration against potassium permanganate. The reaction which takes place is given below :
(a) Chemical equation
Reduction half reaction : 2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 → K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 3H2O + 5[O]
Oxidation half reaction : 2FeSO4(NH4)2SO4 . 6H2O + H2SO4 + [O] → Fe2(SO4)3 +                                                                                                2(NH4)2SO4 + 13H2O] x 5
_______________________________________________________________________________________
2KMnO4 + 8H2SO4 + 10FeSO4(NH4)2SO4 . 6H2O → K2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 5Fe2(SO4)3 +                                                                                                     10(NH4)2SO4 + 68H2O
_______________________________________________________________________________________
(b) Ionic equation
Reduction half reaction : MnO4– + 5e– + 8H+ → Mn2+ + 4H2O
Oxidation half reaction : Fe2+ → Fe3+ + e–] x 5
_______________________________________________________________________________________
MnO4– + 5Fe2+ + 8H+ → Mn2+ + 5Fe3+ + 4H2O
_______________________________________________________________________________________
The oxidation number of iron in Mohr’s salt is +2. Iron is oxidised during the reaction and its oxidation number changes from +2 to +3. In this titration heating of ferrous ammonium sulphate solution is not required because reaction rate is very high even at room temperature. Also, at high temperatures, ferrous ions may be oxidised to ferric ions by oxygen of air and error may be introduced in the experiment.
Material Required
Procedure
A. Preparation of 0.05 M, standard solution of ferrous ammonium sulphate
(Molar mass of FeSO4(NH4)2SO4 . 6H2O = 392 g mol–1).
(i) Weigh 4.9000 g of ferrous ammonium sulphate and transfer it into a 250 mL measuring flask through a funnel.
(ii) Transfer the solid sticking to the funnel with the help of distilled water into the flask and add dilute H2SO4 into the flask drop wise to get the clear solution.
(iii) Shake the flask till the substance dissolves and make the solution upto the mark.
B. Titration of ferrous ammonium sulphate against potassium permanganate solution
(i) Rinse and fill the clean burette with potassium permanganate solution. Remove air bubbles if any, from the burette tip by releasing some solution through it.
(ii) Take 10 mL of 0.05 M ferrous ammonium sulphate solution in a conical flask and add half test tube (≈ 5 mL) full of (1.0 M) H2SO4 to it.
(iii) Titrate the above solution with potassium permanganate solution till the colour of the solution changes to permanent pink. Swirl the content of the flask during the titration.
(iv) Repeat the titration, until three concordant readings are obtained.
(v) Record the readings as shown in observation Table 6.2 and calculate the strength of potassium permanganate solution in mols/litre.
Table 6.2 : Titration of potassium permanganate solution against standard ferrous ammonium sulphate solution
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Calculations
The strength of unknown solution in terms of molarity may be determined by the following equation :
a1M1V1 = a2M2V2
M1 and M2 are the molarities of ferrous ammonium sulphate and potassium permanganate solutions and V1 and V2 are volumes of ferrous ammonium sulphate and potassium permanganate solutions, respectively.
a1 = 1, (the number of electrons lost per formula unit of ferrous ammonium sulphate in the half cell reaction)
a2 = 5, (the number of electrons gained per formula unit of potassium permanganate in a half cell reaction)
Strength can be calculated by the formula given below :
Strength = Molarity x Molar mass
Result
The strength of the given potassium permanganate solution is _____ g/L.
Precautions
(a) Always use a fresh sample of ferrous ammonium sulphate to prepare its standard solution.
(b) Other precautions are same as that in Experiment 6.1.
Discussion Questions
(i) Why is ferrous ammonium sulphate solution not heated before titration?
(ii) Why is nitric acid or hydrochloric acid not used in permanganate titration? Explain.
(iii) Why is dilute sulphuric acid added while preparing a standard solution of ferrous ammonium sulphate ?
(iv) How will you prepare 100 mL of 0.1 M standard solution of ferrous ammonium sulphate?
(v) Why is KMnO4 not regarded as a primary standard?
(vi) What type of titrations are given the name redox titrations? Name some other redox titrations?