Finding ΔG and K for a given redox reaction

In summary, the conversation involves calculating the ΔG and equilibrium constant for a redox reaction involving B-hydroxybutarate, acetoacetate, and oxygen. The half reactions and standard reduction potentials are given, and the conditions for calculation are specified. The final solution involves determining the number of moles of electrons transferred in the reaction, which is found to be 2 mol of e- per mol of product.
  • #1
anisotropic
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0

Homework Statement



Redox reaction:
B-hydroxybutarate + 1/2O2 -> acetoacetate + H2O

Half reaction 1:
O2 + 4H+ + 4e- -> 2H2O (E = +0.816 V)

Half reaction 2:
acetoacetate + 2H+ + 2e- -> B-hydroxybutarate (E = -0.346 V)

Using standard reduction potentials given,

  • calculate ΔG
  • calculate the equilibrium constant, K

Conditions are the biochemist's standard state, pH 7, 298.15 K.

Homework Equations



ΔG = -nFΔE

ln K = nFE/RT

The Attempt at a Solution



ΔErxn = (0.816 V) + (0.346 V)
ΔErxn = 1.162 V

ΔG = -nFΔE
ΔG = -n(96485 C/mol)(1.162 V)

n = ? (moles of electrons transferred)

By writing out both half reactions, the electrons cancel out. Should there not be electrons left over on one side of the equation in order to determine the value of n?
 
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  • #2
No, if electrons are left, reaction is not balanced.
 
  • #3
So 2 mol of e- per mol of product (n = 2)?
 
  • #4
anisotropic said:
So 2 mol of e- per mol of product (n = 2)?
Can someone please confirm this?
 

Related to Finding ΔG and K for a given redox reaction

What is ΔG and how is it related to redox reactions?

ΔG, or Gibbs free energy, is a thermodynamic property that measures the amount of energy available to do work in a system. In the context of redox reactions, ΔG represents the change in free energy that occurs as a result of the transfer of electrons between reactants and products.

How do you calculate ΔG for a given redox reaction?

The formula for calculating ΔG is ΔG = ΔG° + RTln(Q), where ΔG° is the standard free energy change, R is the gas constant, T is the temperature in Kelvin, and Q is the reaction quotient. To find the standard free energy change, you can use a table of standard reduction potentials to determine the standard potential for each half-reaction and then subtract the standard potentials of the reactants from the products.

What is the relationship between ΔG and K for a redox reaction?

K, or the equilibrium constant, is a measure of the extent to which a reaction proceeds towards completion. The relationship between ΔG and K for a redox reaction is given by the equation ΔG = -RTln(K). This means that as K increases, ΔG becomes more negative, indicating a greater amount of free energy available for the reaction to occur.

How does temperature affect the values of ΔG and K for a redox reaction?

The values of ΔG and K for a redox reaction are both temperature-dependent. As the temperature increases, the value of ΔG becomes more negative, indicating a greater amount of free energy available for the reaction to occur. The value of K also changes with temperature, following the equation ln(K2/K1) = ΔH°/R(1/T1 - 1/T2), where ΔH° is the standard enthalpy change for the reaction.

Can ΔG or K be negative for a redox reaction?

Yes, both ΔG and K can be negative for a redox reaction. A negative ΔG indicates that the reaction is spontaneous and can occur without the input of external energy. A negative K value indicates that the reaction will proceed towards completion, with more products being formed than reactants at equilibrium.

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