In: Chemistry
What element is being oxidized in the following type of reaction 4 PBr3 (l) > P4 (s) + 6 Br2 (l)?
A. P or Br
4 PBr3 (l) P4 (s) + 6 Br2 (l)
Calculation of oxidation states:
(1) PBr3
the oxidation state of Br is -1.Let a be the oxidation state of P, then a+(3x(-1))=0
a = +3
(2) P4
Since P4 is in its standard form .Since the oxidation state of elements in their standard state are zero, so the oxidation state of P in P4 is 0
(3) Br2
Since Br2 is in its standard form .Since the oxidation state of elements in their standard state are zero, so the oxidation state of Br in Br2 is 0
-1 0
4 PBr3 (l) P4 (s) + 6 Br2 (l)
Since in oxidation state of Br increases from -1(in PBr3) to 0 ( in Br2),so Br being oxidized.