Complete and balance the following redox reaction in a basic solution. Be sure to include the proper phases for all species within the reaction.

Question

Complete and balance the following redox reaction in a basic solution. Be sure to include the proper phases for all species within the reaction.

CIO₃^-(aq) + C₂O₄^2-(aq) → CIO₂(g) + CO₂(g)

Answer 1

CIO3-(aq) + C2O42-(aq) → CIO2(g) + CO2(g)

ClO3- ==> ClO2 ... reduction half reaction (Cl goes from 5+ t0 4+)

ClO3- ==> ClO2 + H2O ... balanced for Cl and O

ClO3- + 2H2O ==> ClO2 + H2O + 2OH- ... balanced for Cl, O and H (using base, OH-)

ClO3- + 2H2O + e- ==> ClO2 + H2O + 2OH- ... balanced for Cl, O, H and charge = balanced reduction rxn

C2O42- ==> CO2 ... oxidation half reaction (C goes from 3+ to 4+)

C2O42- ==> 2CO2 ... balanced for C and O

C2O42- ==> 2CO2 + 2e- ... balanced for C, O and charge = balanced oxidation reaction

Multiply reduction reaction by 2 to equalize electrons and then add the two equations:

2ClO3- + 4H2O + 2e- ==> 2ClO2 + 2H2O + 4OH-

C2O42- ==> 2CO2 + 2e-

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2ClO3- + 4H2O + 2e- + C2O42- ==> 2ClO2 + 2H2O + 4OH- + 2CO2 + 2e-

Combine/cancel like terms to end up with final balanced redox equation:

2ClO3- + 2H2O + C2O42- ==> 2ClO2 + 4OH- + 2CO2 ... BALANCED REDOX EQUATION