Balancing a Redox Reaction in Acidic Solution

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on balancing the redox reaction ICl → Cl- + IO3 + I2 using the oxidation number method. The oxidation states of iodine change from +1 to +6 and +1 to 0, indicating a loss of 5 electrons and a gain of 1 electron, respectively. The balanced equation derived through the half-reaction method is 12ICl + 6H2O → 5I2 + 12Cl- + 2IO3 + 12H+. The oxidation number method involves cross-balancing the changes in oxidation numbers to achieve the final balanced equation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of redox reactions
  • Familiarity with oxidation states and their changes
  • Knowledge of the half-reaction method for balancing equations
  • Basic concepts of disproportionation reactions
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  • Study the oxidation number method in detail for balancing redox reactions
  • Learn about disproportionation reactions and their characteristics
  • Practice balancing various redox reactions using both half-reaction and oxidation number methods
  • Explore advanced topics in electrochemistry related to redox processes
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Chemistry students, educators, and anyone interested in mastering redox reaction balancing techniques.

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I can balance this equation using the half reaction method, but I want to learn to use the oxidation number method with this particular question to "broaden my abilities".

Homework Statement


ICl → Cl- + IO3 + I2

The Attempt at a Solution


I: +1 → +6: lost 5e-
I: +1 → 0: gained 1e-
(I'm unsure of the next step)

Using the half reaction method, I know the balanced equation to be:
12ICl + 6H2O → 5I2 + 12Cl- +2IO3 + 12H+
 
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First of all, I am not sure if IO3 is actually an oxide of Iodine, but if the question is hypothetical, I will do as asked, but for your information, it might be a disproportionation reaction in which the reaction goes as follows :
ICl \rightarrow I_2 + IO_3^- + Cl^-

Note that I formed Iodide Radical, which really exists. But still, I'd take IO3 in the account.

Change in ON to form I2 = 1
Change in ON to form IO3 = 5

Write the LHS as ICl + ICl. Let 1st ICl being oxidised to IO3 and 2nd ICl being reduced to I2. We know their ON change. Now "Cross Balance" the ON difference as coefficients of reactants. Thus LHS becomes

ICl + 5 ICl. (ON diff. of 1st is 5, crossed to 2nd. Likewise, 2nd has ON diff of 1, crossed to 1st)

Now form the respective products from respective reactant stoichiometrically. Form 5/2 I2 from 5 ICl and 1 IO3 from 1 ICl. Now I am sure you can balance the Cl, H and O. That's Oxidation Number method.
 

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