Solving Equilibrium Expression: Balancing HOCl Reaction for Basic Solution

[Zeitgeist]

Homework Statement

Aqueous solutions of hypochlorous acid, HOCl, can be unstable due to the reaction:

2HOCl <--> Cl- + ClO2- + 2H+

(c) Write out the balanced reaction appropriate to basic solution corresponding to the reaction given above.

Homework Equations

K = [Cl-][ClO2-][H+]^2/[HOCl]^2

The Attempt at a Solution

This question is part of a bigger equilibrium constant experssions' problem. I have answered all the parts to this question, I just don't understand what they are asking for here in part (c)?

The answer given is:

2ClO- <--> Cl- + ClO2-

I don't understand how they got to that?

 

[Borek]

Think: what happens to the weak acid in a basic solution?

--