Chapter 5: Problem 6

Draw a Frost diagram for mercury in acid solution and comment on the tendency of the involved species to undergo disproportionation. Given \(E_{\mathrm{Hg}^{2+} / \mathrm{Hg}_{2}^{2+}}=0.911 \mathrm{~V}\) and \(E_{\mathrm{H}_{2}^{2+} / \mathrm{Hg}}^{\circ}=0.796 \mathrm{~V}\)

Short Answer

Expert verified

From the plotted Frost Diagram using the provided standard reduction potential values, no clear disproportionation tendency is observed. This suggests the Mercury species in the given acid solution will not tend to disproportion under normal conditions.

Step by step solution

- Understanding the concept of Frost Diagram

Frost diagram is a graphical representation of oxidation states of a particular element against the standard reduction potentials. The goal is to represent how the energy of the system changes as the oxidation state of mercury differs.

- Using the Given Standard Reduction Potential Values

In this task, two standard reduction potentials are given: \(E_{\mathrm{Hg}^{2+} / \mathrm{Hg}_{2}^{2+}}=0.911 \mathrm{~V}\) and \(E_{\mathrm{H}_{2}^{2+} / \mathrm{Hg}}^{\circ}=0.796 \mathrm{~V}\). This tells us about the energy changes when mercury is reduced from its different oxidation states to elemental mercury (Hg). The standard reduction potential is positive, implying that the direction of spontaneity for the reactions is as stated.

- Plotting the Frost Diagram

Plot the Frost Diagram using the given standard reduction potential values. The x-axis will represent the oxidation states of the mercury species (i.e., -2 for \(\mathrm{Hg}_{2}^{2+}\), and +2 for \(\mathrm{Hg}^{2+}\)), while the y-axis will represent their corresponding standard reduction potential values (0.911 V for \(\mathrm{Hg}^{2+} / \mathrm{Hg}_{2}^{2+}\), and 0.796 V for \(\mathrm{H}_{2}^{2+} / \mathrm{Hg}\). Connect the points to form a Frost diagram.

- Comment on the Disproportionation Tendency

Looking at the Frost Diagram, identify any points where the graph takes a clear upward or downward turn. These inflection points typically imply a tendency for disproportionation to occur, suggesting a chemical instability at that particular oxidation state. If there are no clear turning points, the species will tend towards other transformation. In this case, there’s no obvious potential for disproportionation.

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Draw a Frost diagram for mercury in acid solution and comment on the tendency of the involved species to undergo disproportionation. Given \(E_{\mathrm{Hg}^{2+} / \mathrm{Hg}_{2}^{2+}}=0.911 \mathrm{~V}\) and \(E_{\mathrm{H}_{2}^{2+} / \mathrm{Hg}}^{\circ}=0.796 \mathrm{~V}\)

Short Answer

Step by step solution

- Understanding the concept of Frost Diagram

- Using the Given Standard Reduction Potential Values

- Plotting the Frost Diagram

- Comment on the Disproportionation Tendency

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