Oxidizing power of potassium chlorate vs. nitrate

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    Oxidizing Power
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around comparing the oxidizing power of potassium chlorate and potassium nitrate, focusing on their standard reduction potentials. Participants explore how to evaluate and understand these values in the context of electrochemical reactions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the strength of potassium chlorate compared to potassium nitrate as oxidizing agents and seeks guidance on how to research this independently.
  • Another participant suggests finding and comparing the reduction potentials of the anions involved.
  • A participant expresses difficulty understanding the explanation of standard reduction potentials and requests a simpler clarification.
  • One participant explains that standard reduction potentials indicate the strength of oxidizing agents, noting that a more positive potential signifies a stronger oxidizing agent.
  • Standard electrode values for chlorate and nitrate are provided, with chlorate having a higher emf value (+1.64 V) compared to nitrate (+0.94 V), suggesting chlorate is a stronger oxidizing agent.
  • Another participant reiterates the standard electrode values and confirms that chlorate is a stronger oxidizing agent, correcting the chemical notation from hypochlorite to chlorate.
  • One participant questions whether the difference in emf values implies that chlorate is 1.7 times stronger as an oxidizing agent.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that chlorate is a stronger oxidizing agent than nitrate based on the provided emf values. However, there is no consensus on the exact quantitative comparison or interpretation of the strength difference.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty regarding the interpretation of standard reduction potentials and their implications for oxidizing power. There is also a correction regarding the chemical species involved, indicating potential confusion in notation.

Mk
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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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