Chapter 9, Problem 9B.14E

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The possibility of oxidation of chloride ions to chlorine by acidic potassium permanganate solution has to be given.

Concept Introduction:

Electrode potential:

The potential related to each electrode refers to electrode potential.  If the species concentration participating in the electrode reaction is unity and the reaction occurs at $\text{298K}$ then the potential of the electrode refers to as Standard Electrode Potential ${\text{(E}}^{\text{o}}\text{)}\text{.}$  The electrode reaction is at unity when any gas participating in the particular electrode reaction is approximately 1 atmospheric pressure.

The formula for electrode potential is,

  ${\text{E}}^{\text{o}}{}_{\left(\text{cell}\right)}{\text{=E}}^{\text{o}}{}_{\left(\text{reduction}\right)}{\text{-E}}^{\text{o}}{}_{\left(\text{oxidation}\right)}$

If ${\text{E}}^{\text{o}}{}_{\left(\text{cell}\right)}\text{<}\text{0}$ then the reaction is not possible.

If ${\text{E}}^{\text{o}}{}_{\left(\text{cell}\right)}\text{>}\text{0}$ then the reaction is possible.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The possibility of oxidation of metallic mercury to mercury (I) by acidic potassium permanganate solution has to be given.