Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the interaction between concentrated sulfuric acid and gold, specifically whether sulfuric acid can react with gold despite the oxidation potential of sulfur being higher than that of gold. Participants explore the electrochemical properties and reduction potentials involved in this scenario.
Discussion Character
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
- Mathematical reasoning
Main Points Raised
- One participant asserts that concentrated sulfuric acid does not react with gold, despite the higher oxidation potential of sulfur in concentrated H2SO4.
- Another participant suggests rechecking the standard reduction potentials for sulfuric acid and metallic gold to determine which species is more likely to be reduced.
- A participant provides specific half-reactions and their corresponding standard reduction potentials, indicating that the overall reaction would be non-spontaneous due to a negative resulting E value.
- One participant questions the clarity of the previous comments regarding the potential of S2O7 in oleum, asking for clarification on whether the potential is presented as an oxidation or reduction potential and requesting the exact electrochemical potential involving oleum.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the reactivity of sulfuric acid with gold, with some supporting the idea that gold does not react while others raise questions about the implications of oxidation potentials. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.
Contextual Notes
There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about the electrochemical potentials and the specific conditions under which these reactions are considered, particularly concerning the nature of oleum and its role in the reactions discussed.