Question detail
What is the result of the disproportionation reaction of chlorine in water?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Group 7(17), the halogens
Question
- A. Chlorine is reduced to chloride ions and oxidized to chlorate ions.
- B. Chlorine is oxidized to chloride ions and reduced to chlorate ions.
- C. Chlorine remains unchanged in the reaction.
- D. Chlorine is converted to oxygen gas.
Answer
Chlorine is reduced to chloride ions and oxidized to chlorate ions.
Explanation
In the disproportionation reaction of chlorine in water, chlorine (Cl2) is both reduced and oxidized, forming chloride ions (Cl-) and chlorate ions (ClO3-). This illustrates the concept of disproportionation where a single element undergoes both oxidation and reduction.
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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