Redox Reactions
Redox Reactions
Redox Reactions
Reduction
Oxidation states
MnO4- Mn2+ Purple to colourless When a substance is oxidised, it acts as a reducing agent. Also, a reducing agent reduces another substance. E.g. potassium iodide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, metals (high in the reactivity series) Potassium iodide 2I I2 Colourless to brown Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2 is both a H2O2 O2 reducing and oxidising agent) You need to know how to calculate oxidation state (number) . Oxidation is the increase in oxidation number of a species. Reduction is the decrease in oxidation number of a species. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Oxidation number of an element is zero. Eg. Oxidation number of iron, carbon is zero. Oxidation number of a simple ion equals the charge of the ion, eg. Oxidation number of iron(II) ions, Fe2+, is +2. Oxygen usually has an oxidation number of -2 in compounds. Hydrogen usually has an oxidation number of +1 in compounds. SO42- ion : Oxidation number of sulfur in sulfate = +6 : +6+(-2)4 = -2 (charge on sulfate ion)