Question detail
Explain the disproportionation reaction of chlorine in water. What are the products formed?
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Topic
Group 7(17), the halogens
Question
Explain the disproportionation reaction of chlorine in water. What are the products formed?
Answer
In the disproportionation reaction of chlorine in water, chlorine gas (Cl2) reacts with water to form hydrochloric acid (HCl) and hypochlorous acid (HClO). The reaction can be represented as: Cl2 + H2O → HCl + HClO.
Explanation
This answer is strong because it accurately describes the disproportionation reaction of chlorine, identifying the reactants and products involved. It tests the understanding of the concept of disproportionation, where a single element is both oxidized and reduced.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Disproportionation
Students often confuse disproportionation reactions with simple redox reactions, failing to recognize that in disproportionation, the same element is both oxidized and reduced.
To clarify, remember that in a disproportionation reaction, such as chlorine reacting with water, chlorine is oxidized to form chloride ions and reduced to form hypochlorous acid. Write the half-equations to show the oxidation and reduction processes clearly.
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