Q: Which Reaction is more likely to occur: Cl20 + 2F-1 → 2Cl- + F20 F2 + 2Cl-1 → 2F- + Cl20 Why?

Question

Q: Which Reaction is more likely to occur:

1. Cl₂⁰ + 2F^-1 → 2Cl^- + F₂⁰
2. F₂ + 2Cl^-1 → 2F^- + Cl₂⁰

Why?

Answer 1

Standard reduction potentials:

Cl₂ + 2e- ==> 2Cl- Eº = +1.36 V

F₂ + 2e- ==> 2F- Eº = +2.87

The reduction reaction will be F₂ + 2e => 2F^- and the oxidation reaction will be 2Cl^- => Cl₂ + 2e-

So you will have...

F₂ + 2Cl^- ==> 2F^- + Cl₂