Can Cl^1- oxidize H2O to O2 (g) under standard conditions?

Question

Can Cl^1- oxidize H₂O to O₂ (g) under standard condition? Briefly explain your answer.

Answer 1

There are three ways of approaching this. The standard, algorithmic way is to look up a table of standard reduction potentials. The reduction potential of water is -1.23 V. That of chloride is -1.36 V. Water's is more positive (less negative) than chloride's, so it cannot be reduced by water.

A second approach is to look at the structure of the ions in question. If chloride were to oxidize water to O2, it would itself be reduced and become Cl^3- or Cl^2-, both of which are highly unfavorable as these are ions with more than a full octet of electrons around chlorine.

A third approach is to realize that when you throw table salt (sodium chloride) into water, nothing happens. No evolution of gas. Therefore, no oxidation reaction.