Chlorine reacts with cold dilute sodium hydroxide: Cl2 + 2NaOH -> NaCl + NaClO + H2O. What type of reaction is this for chlorine?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Disproportionation, with oxidation states 0 changing to -1 and +1
- Step 1: In Cl2 the oxidation state is 0; in NaCl it is -1 (reduced); in NaClO it is +1 (oxidised). Step 2. The same element is both oxidised and reduced. Answer: Disproportionation, with oxidation states 0 changing to -1 and +1. Why not the others: chlorine is both reduced and oxidised; the oxidation states do change, so it is a redox reaction.
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