Q6 E - Chemistry (OpenStax)

Question

Which of the following is the strongest oxidizing agent: \(VO_4^3,CrO_4^{2 - },\)or \(MnO_4^ - \)?

 

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The strongest oxidation agent is \(MnO_4^ - \)

Step 1: Oxidation agent:

An oxidizing agent is usually a chemical species that tends to oxidize other substances, by increasing oxidation state of the substance by making it lose electrons.

Step 2: Compairing the given oxidation agent:

The strongest oxidation agent can easily accept electron;

1. \(MnO_4^ -  + 8{H^ + } + 5{e^ - } \to M{n^{2 + }} + 4{H_2}O\)    E = +1.507V
2. \(CrO_4^{2 - } + 4{H_2}O + 3{e^ - } \to Cr{(OH)_3} + 5O{H^ - }\)    E = -0.13V
3. \(VO_4^{3 - } + 6{H^ + } + 2{e^ - } \to V{O^ - } + 3{H_2}O\)       E = +1.256V

Hence, the strongest oxidation agent is  \(MnO_4^ - \)