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Chapter 17: Problem 6

Which of the following is the best reducing agent: \(\mathrm{F}_{2}, \mathrm{H}_{2}, \mathrm{Na}\) \(\mathrm{Na}^{+}, \mathrm{F}^{-} ?\) Explain. Order as many of these species as possible from the best to the worst oxidizing agent. Why can't you order all of them? From Table \(17-1\) choose the species that is the best oxidizing agent. Choose the best reducing agent. Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The best reducing agent among the given species is \(\mathrm{Na}\), as it has the lowest reduction potential of -2.71 V. The order of oxidizing agents based on reduction potentials is: F2 (best), H2, and Na, but Na+ and F- cannot be ordered as they cannot be reduced or oxidized, respectively. From Table 17-1, the overall best oxidizing agent is F2 with a reduction potential of +2.87 V, and the overall best reducing agent is Li with a reduction potential of -3.04 V.

Step by step solution

01

Recall the Reduction Potentials

Reduction potential is the tendency of a species to gain electrons and get reduced. A higher reduction potential means a higher tendency to get reduced, and a lower reduction potential means a higher tendency to lose electrons (get oxidized). Therefore, a good reducing agent will have lower reduction potential.
02

Compare given species' reduction potential

Let's use the standard reduction potentials from Table 17-1 for the given species: 1. F2: F2 + 2e- → 2F- : E° = +2.87V 2. H2: 2H+ + 2e- → H2: E° = 0 V (Standard Reference Electrode) 3. Na: Na+ + e- → Na : E° = -2.71V 4. Na+: Cannot be further reduced. 5. F-: Cannot be further oxidized.
03

Determine Best Reducing Agent

Since a good reducing agent will have a lower reduction potential, we can say that \(\mathrm{Na}\) is the best reducing agent among the given species.
04

Ranking Oxidizing Agents

To find the oxidizing agents, we need to go in the reverse order of reduction potential. Oxidizing agents will have a higher tendency to get reduced, so they will have a higher reduction potential. Based on the given reduction potentials, the order would be: 1. Best Oxidizing Agent: F2 2. H2 3. Na We cannot order Na+ and F- as oxidizing agents because they cannot be further reduced or further oxidized, respectively. So, these species are not considered as oxidizing agents.
05

Choose the Best Oxidizing and Reducing Agent from Table 17-1

Based on Table 17-1, Best Oxidizing Agent: F2, as it has the highest reduction potential, +2.87 V. Best Reducing Agent: Li, as it has the lowest reduction potential, -3.04 V. Thus, the best reducing agent among the given species is Na, and the overall best reducing agent based on Table 17-1 is Li. Similarly, the best oxidizing agent among the given species and overall is F2.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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