Oxidizing power of potassium chlorate vs. nitrate

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Potassium chlorate is identified as a stronger oxidizing agent compared to potassium nitrate, based on standard reduction potentials. The discussion highlights that the standard reduction potential for chlorate (ClO3-) is +1.64 V, while for nitrate (NO3-) it is +0.94 V. This indicates that chlorate is more effective at accepting electrons, thus serving as a better oxidizer. The conversation also touches on the concept of standard reduction potentials, explaining that a higher positive value signifies a stronger oxidizing agent. The participant seeks a quantitative comparison, questioning if this means chlorate is 1.7 times stronger than nitrate, although the exact multiplicative strength is not clearly defined in the discussion.
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I was wondering how much stronger potassium chlorate is vs. potassium nitrate in oxidizing power, and how to look up the information for myself next time if possible. Thanks :smile:
 
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Find the reduction potential for the anions and compare.
 
I know my elements and took high school chemistry, but I tried looking up what you said and it's a little bit over my head. Could you explain it a different way?
 
Standard reduction potentials are basically values of electrochemical potentials versus a standard hydrogen electrode, as you may know if an agent is labeled a reducing agent in an chemistry equation it becomes oxidized - it is the electron donor. The opposite applies for an oxidizing agent - it is responsible for taking away the electrons. Standard hydrogen electrodes are given the value of zero and an galvanic electrochemical setup is designed with it at the cathode and an anode setup with the oxidizing agent of your choice and then the voltage difference is measured between the anode and the cathode. The greater the value of this voltage the better the anode agent is as an oxidizing agent in a relative sense.

From what I remember, the more positive the potential, the better the oxidizing agent.
 
Man, I don't know. I guess I get the answer my question asks for but, I was hoping for an integer or something.
 
i have some standard electrode values.

OCl^{-}_{(aq)} + H^{+}_{(aq)} + e^{-} \Leftrightarrow \frac{1}{2}Cl_{2(aq)} + 2H_{2}O_{(l)}

emf = + 1.64 V

NO^{-}_{3(aq)} + 3H^{+}_{(aq)} + 2e^{-} \Leftrightarrow HNO_{2(aq)} + H_{2}O_{(l)}

emf = + 0.94 V


therefore, the chlorate(1) is a stronger oxidising agent.
 
Last edited:
Kushal said:
i have some standard electrode values.

OCl^{-}_{(aq)} + H^{+}_{(aq)} + e^{-} \Leftrightarrow \frac{1}{2}Cl_{2(aq)} + 2H_{2}O_{(l)}

emf = + 1.64 V

NO^{-}_{3(aq)} + 3H^{+}_{(aq)} + 2e^{-} \Leftrightarrow HNO_{2(aq)} + H_{2}O_{(l)}

emf = + 0.94 V


therefore, the chlorate(1) is a stronger oxidising agent.
Chlorate is

ClO_3^{-}

not

ClO^{-}
 
oooops... yeah it is ClO3-
 
Kushal said:
emf = + 1.64 V

emf = + 0.94 V

therefore, the chlorate(1) is a stronger oxidising agent.
Does this mean it is 1.7x stronger?
 
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