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

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SUMMARY

The reaction between chlorine and hot concentrated potassium hydroxide (KOH) is represented by the equation 3Cl2(g) + 6KOH(aq) → 5KCl(aq) + KClO3(aq) + 3H2O(l). In this reaction, potassium hydroxide does not act as a reducing agent; rather, the oxidation states of chlorine change from 0 to -1 and from 0 to +5. The correct interpretation of the reaction indicates that KOH serves as both an oxidizing and reducing agent, but it is essential to recognize that the actual reducing and oxidizing agents are the species that undergo electron transfer.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of oxidation and reduction reactions
  • Familiarity with oxidation states and their changes
  • Knowledge of chemical equations and stoichiometry
  • Basic concepts of potassium hydroxide and its properties
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of oxidation-reduction reactions in detail
  • Learn about the role of potassium hydroxide in various chemical reactions
  • Explore the concept of electron transfer in redox reactions
  • Investigate the properties and reactions of chlorine in different states
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Chemistry students, educators, and professionals interested in redox reactions, particularly those involving potassium hydroxide and chlorine.

Clara Chung
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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.

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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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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.
 

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