Is Potassium Hydroxide a Reducing Agent in the Reaction with Chlorine?

In summary, the equation shows the reaction between chlorine and hot concentrated potassium hydroxide solution, resulting in the oxidation number of chlorine changing from 0 to +5. The statement (2) and (3) are correct, making the answer D. However, it should be noted that while potassium hydroxide can act as both a reducing and oxidizing agent, it is ultimately the change in oxidation number that determines if a substance is being reduced or oxidized.
  • #1
Clara Chung
304
14
1.
The equation below represents the reaction of chlorine with hot concentrated potassium hydroxide solution: 3Cl2(g) + 6KOH(aq) → 5KCl(aq) + KClO3(aq) + 3H2O(l) Which of the following statements concerning this reaction is/are correct?
(1) Potassium hydroxide acts as a reducing agent
(2) The oxidation number of chlorine changes from 0 to –1
(3) The oxidation number of chlorine changes from 0 to +5 A.
(1) only B. (2) only C. (1) and (3) only D. (2) and (3) only.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


The answer is D. But isn't KOH a reducing agent and a oxidizing agent? It loses O and H at the same time.
 
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  • #2
Losing H or O is in general not equivalent with being oxidized or reduced. The only things that are reduced or oxidized are those that accept or loose electrons.
 

What is a redox reaction?

A redox reaction, also known as an oxidation-reduction reaction, is a type of chemical reaction in which there is a transfer of electrons between reactants. Oxidation is the loss of electrons and reduction is the gain of electrons.

How do you determine the oxidation number of an element?

The oxidation number of an element can be determined by following a set of rules. Some of these rules include: the oxidation number of an element in its elemental form is always 0, the oxidation number of a monatomic ion is equal to its charge, and in a neutral compound, the sum of the oxidation numbers of all elements is equal to 0.

What is the purpose of balancing a redox equation?

The purpose of balancing a redox equation is to ensure that the number of atoms and the total charge are equal on both the reactant and product sides. This is important because it follows the law of conservation of mass and charge, which states that matter and charge cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction.

What is the difference between a reducing agent and an oxidizing agent?

A reducing agent is a substance that causes another substance to undergo reduction by donating electrons. In contrast, an oxidizing agent is a substance that causes another substance to undergo oxidation by accepting electrons.

How do you identify a redox reaction in a chemical equation?

A redox reaction can be identified by the change in the oxidation numbers of the elements involved. If an element's oxidation number increases, it has been oxidized. If an element's oxidation number decreases, it has been reduced. Additionally, the presence of oxygen or hydrogen in a chemical equation can also indicate a redox reaction.

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