What if the Solution Type for a Redox Reaction Isn't Given?

[kandi2008]

Redox reactions can take place in both acid or basic solutions, that I know. But, what if the type of solution in which the reaction occurs is not given? Am I to assume it is acid or basic?

 

[Borek]

Better start with neutral.

If in doubt you may try to balance knowing that in general oxidizers like MnO4- or CrO4-2 (Cr2O7-2) are effecitve in low pH, Cl2, ClO- - in basic. But then MnO4- works in basic (it gets reduced to MnO4-2), in neutral (MnO2) and acidic (Mn2+), so this approach can require additional information.

 

[kandi2008]

Thank you. That definitely helps. But, where would I be able to find what certain substances reduce to? That would be a huge help.

 

[Borek]

Permanganate you already know, chromate or dichromate goes to Cr+3, chlorine (bromine, iodine) to Cl-. These are most common, others require more experience - and the only more or less sure method of finding out products is to check redox potentials in tables. But even that can be misleading.